Hitchin market is so successful, traders hope it will persuade other councils to give markets more support.

They say proof of its success is that the market is growing with 200 stalls supporting more than 200 jobs.

Would-be fruit and vegetable traders have to join a waiting list.

Terry Meakin of the Market Traders' Federation

Regular shoppers there say its success is proof that markets do have a future.

Traders believe the continued survival of markets is vital.

"To give a town its individual identity - to come to the town's market and see all the different individual traders and individual wares - makes it the local focal point," said Terry Meakin, of the Market Traders' Federation.

The federation now hopes Hitchin's success will persuade local councils to give markets more support - and help ensure their survival.