MARKET traders in Rawtenstall roared out a welcome to visitors at the start of Great British Market Week -- and the event's lion mascot was on hand to greet the young at heart.

This year's theme for the week is Lancashire and local produce was to the fore at food tastings which will also take place at Thursday and Saturday markets.

Traditional Lancashire fare was also on offer to winners of the market's dialect quiz.

And customers were entertained by Cherry Tree Morris Dancers, dancing on the outdoor market ground and through the aisles of the indoor market.

Music will be provided next Saturday by Helmshore Junior Band.

Thursday sees the launch of the market's own web site, designed by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's digital media department.

It is one of the first markets in the country to have a high-profile site.

Picture: Seven-year-old Lucy Ives meets Victor the Lion at the launch of Rawtenstall Market's Great British Market Week celebrations