A NORTH-EAST market is battling it out to be crowned Britain’s favourite market in a national competition.

Darlington Sunday People’s Market, which was set up earlier this year by Darlington residents and business owners, is hoping to win the title at the annual National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) Market of the Year 2013 competition.

The competition celebrates specialist markets across the country and the winner will be announced in January next year.

To vote, visit nabma.com/vote/, type in ‘Darlington Sunday People’s Market’ and click ‘vote’.

Darlington Sunday People’s Market takes place in Blackwellgate on the first Sunday of every month and has increased the street's numbers on Sunday by 46 per cent, while shops on nearby West Row have seen a 58 per cent rise.

The organisers are also holding a special Christmas market, in association with the town’s Covered Market, on Sunday, December 23 from 10am until 4pm.