THE winners of the first Darwen Market Trader of the Year awards have been announced.

Food trader of the year was Gilly's sandwich bar, stall E & F 11, on the three-day market run by Peter Whelan.

The award for non-food trader of the year went to Eileen Guy of The Grotto, Stall 34, Darwen Market Hall, which has sold fancy goods, jewellery, christening gifts, anniversary gifts, hair accessories and bohemia crystal for more than 48 years.

The cafe award went to Valerie Atherton of The Meeting Place, Stall 30, Darwen Market Hall.

The overall winner with the most votes was Gilly's.

The member of the voting public who wins a shopping bag full of goods is Susan Whittle, of Edmund Street, Darwen.