FRENCH style and sophistication descended on Leyland's market this week, as the new boss arrived for a tete-a-tete.

Traders welcomed Jean-Paul Auguste, Presidente Directeur Generale of Groupe Geraud, who is chairman of Market Initiatives Ltd - the specialists brought in to manage Leyland Market.

Mr Auguste, who was brought in to give the run-down market a new image, was keen to show South Ribble Council leader Gina Lewis and local stallholders how his organisation can help.

During his visit, on Tuesday, he looked at temporary site location options and discussed the market's long-term future.

Mr Auguste said: "From the start of our involvement in Leyland, we have been very confident and positive about the future success of Leyland Market, despite its difficult and uncertain past.

"There are some excellent traders on the market, who have worked through this difficult period and helped maintain a market presence in the town.

"We believe that this partnership between South Ribble Council and the market traders and ourselves will ensure a successful market for the future."

Mr Auguste is the fourth generation of his family to head the company, which was established in 1880.

The group is probably the largest operator of local authority markets in Europe, running 1,300 market days each week in France, through 300 partnership contracts with local authorities.

Market Initiatives Ltd has also recently won management contracts for the markets at South Derbyshire and Kettering.

Council leader Gina Lewis said: "We welcome Jean-Paul's company's involvement with the council and look forward to a fruitful partnership into the next Millennium."

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