STALLHOLDERS in Radcliffe Market were busy selling themselves this Christmas!

For their decorative skills have been put to the test in the first-ever best market stall competition.

The event, run by Bury Markets Management in conjunction with Radcliffe Market Traders Association, took on a distinct festive flavour.

Judges toured 14 stalls and had the unenviable task of selecting the overall winner.

And emerging in top spot was Jackie Phillips who runs a soft toys and baby clothes stall. Jackie, of York Street, Radcliffe, was presented with a framed certificate by markets manager John Ayres.

First runner-up was Hutton's and runner-up was Ray Davies. Highly commended was John Hull Butchers and commended was Dillons Cosmetics.

Commenting on the first ever best market stall competition, which is set to be repeated next year, Mr Ayres said: "We wanted to encourage a bit of enterprise and to make the market hall even more Chrismassy."

And to enhance its festive factor, the market is now adorned by a number of colourful posters, courtesy of local primary schoolchildren.

In conjunction with the best stall competition, pupils were asked to design and complete their own Christmas posters.

Around 14 prizes were presented in three age groups to mark the efforts of the talented youngsters.