A CONTINENTAL Christmas market is set to run in Darwen this year for the first time.

It is expected that permission will be granted next week for the event to run from Tuesday, December 21 to Thursday, December 23, with stalls selling food, drink, crafts and decorations on the Market Square.

The event is taking its lead from the successful Manchester Christmas markets, with products from Germany and Spain available, as well as tradional English fayre.

Local traders and bar owners have been approached by Blackburn with Darwen Council to help organise the plans.

Erica Dobie, of 3 in a Bar, in Belgrave Road, said: “There’s going to be cask ales, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, tree decorations, children’s activities, craft stalls and choir singers and brass bands playing.

“It’s something by the people of Darwen, for the people of Darwen.

“Now is a really good time for the town, and we hope this event unites the community and helps people to share in festivities.

“It’s also a fun way to meet new people.”

Town councillor Brenda Cronshaw, who has run a market stall for 35 years, said she had 'mixed views' on the plans.

She said: “We do need to attract more footfall into the town centre, and the 1940s Day last month was a real success, but I have slightly mixed feelings on this.

“I’m not sure having stalls outside with those products will be the right thing to do.”

Mayor Paul Browne has applauded rgw plans.

He said: “This is exactly what Darwen needs. "I’m all for things that bring more people into the town centre and gel the community together.”

It is thought that the market will be open from 3pm to 10pm each day, with children’s activities from 3pm to 6pm.