THESE exclusive pictures show for the first time the inside of Blackburn’s long-awaited market, which opens tomorrow.

The Lancashire Telegraph was given a tour around the £8million complex as traders worked to fit out their stalls in time.

A total of 64 out of 127 stalls will be trading tomorrow, with others opening in the coming weeks once they have been fitted out.

34 have yet to be let, including 22 food stalls.

Shoppers entering the market down the steps or escalator in the Mall shopping centre will arrive in the middle of the food section, which will have a seating area with black sofas for customers.

There will also be entrances from Ainsworth Street and Church Street, where the doors will be opened onto the street during the summer.

At the opposite end will be the small shop units.

Yesterday the market was a hive of activity as traders spoke of their excitement ahead of the opening.

Andrew Hartley, of greetings card shop Octagon, said: “It will take us right up until opening day to get it right.

“But it’s looking good, and this has been a long time coming.”

Rob Ainsworth, who runs a discount appliances stall, said “It’s hard work but we’re getting there.

“I think we will be OK for Wednesday. The new market seems much more in line with modern retailing.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council has decided not to hold a formal launch event until July, to allow time to iron out teething problems and increase the occupancy rate.

Helen Brooks, who will be bringing Blackburn’s oldest stall, the 130-year-old underwear seller Haydock’s, to the new market said: “It’s one of the best set-ups I’ve ever seen.”