SHOPPERS to Leyland's rundown market will get a taste of the Continent when they go searching for Mother's Day presents.

For stallholders have decided to give away red roses to all the women who shop in the market on March 13, just like their counterparts across the channel have done for years.

The traders hope the gallant gesture will lure shoppers back to the market.

Traders' spokesman Deborah Noblett said: "A lot of people are being put off by our surroundings but once they actually get to us they see what a good place we are.

"Our manager suggested the roses idea to us and we think we are the first local market to try it.

"We will have hostesses giving out the roses on the day so it should be quite special."

Rose-giving is a tradition in many French markets where people buy most of their fresh food.

Deborah added: "The new development plan for Towngate means we will have a big supermarket next to us instead of lots of little shops in a shopping centre.

"We think we can replace those shops by providing the customers with everything they need."

The traders have been given a further boost with the announcement that their rents are to be cut in a move to entice more traders on to the market. One new trader has arrived and Deborah is confident more will follow.

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