A MARKET has been named one of the best in the country.

Durham Indoor Market shared the Best Private Market prize at the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awards ceremony, held in Birmingham on Friday.

Judges praised its range of initiatives aimed at traders and customers and community outreach.

The award was presented to Durham jointly with Old Spitalfields Market, in London.

Graham Wilson, chief executive of NABMA, said: "The level of entries in this category was the best since the competition began."

Frank Nicholson, chairman of Durham Markets Company, said: "This national award is a fantastic achievement which we are delighted to accept.

"Durham Indoor Market is the beating heart of the city and plays a crucial role in supporting independent retail and the local economy."