BY AMANDA HEMMINGS

Weymouth’s first continental market has been hailed a great success by visitors, stallholders and businesses.

The market, a five-day event held across St Thomas Street and New Bond Street in the town centre, has traders selling food and clothing from across Europe from paella and authentic pizza to Greek Spanakopita.

Hundreds have flocked to visit the market which is an exciting new event for the resort.

Michael Bevis, from London, enjoyed the array of different food available. He said the market is a “good thing for the community.”

Sue Lindley, from Portland, said: “It will be good for tourism and locals alike.”

The continental market is run by Market Place Europe, which delivers more than 70 market events each year across the UK.

Kamren Sadiq, of Mediterranean Delights, said: “It’s the first time we’ve been here in Weymouth and it’s been very busy.

“I hope people like the different foods from all over Europe. It’s a chance for them to try new things.”

Claudia Moore, chief operating officer at Weymouth BID, said that the idea for a continental market arose from “levy payers and members of the public.”

She said: “People told us Weymouth had no vibrancy or life.

“Market Place Europe came to us originally and it’s been proven by national surveys that markets are always beneficial to towns in terms of footfall.

“Overall the response has been positive. The market is booked to return in October.”

Some business owners on St Thomas Street have seen more people flocking through the doors since the arrival of the market.

Becky Leeming, store manager at The Body Shop, said the store has had a lot more interaction since the market arrived.

“We didn’t know much about it on the first day it arrived. But now we’re getting involved with the party spirit of it and engrossing ourselves in it.” “After speaking to locals and holidaymakers, everyone is buzzing about it. It’s something completely different. It gives a reason for people to visit.

“More people are coming to this end of town. I’ve never seen so many people here before.”

The continental market will be welcoming visitors again today from 10am until 8pm, and tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.