Customers might find it hard to escape from this new indoor market - as it is being held in a former prison.

The historic Dorchester Prison in Dorset is throwing open its cell doors for up to 75 market stall holders to sell their wares.

They are using the prison's atrium, B wing, the health care wing and in the old exercise yard to set up shop.

Car boot sales also take place up against the 30ft perimeter walls of the historic jail.

Dorchester Prison is where the real-life Tess of the D'Urbervilles is buried. Martha Brown was hanged there in 1856 for murdering her violent husband.

Her execution was witnessed by a young Thomas Hardy who was inspired to base the character of Tess on Martha in his famous 1892 novel.

The prison closed down in 2013 and was sold to developers City and Country for £3.25m and they got permission to build 185 homes there, but the plans stalled.

It was used as a filming location for the recent Luther film, starring Idris Elba.

Steve Foskett, of event organisers Cracking Days, now rents the prison and runs tours, ghost hunts and other events.

Dorset Echo: BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Pic: MaxWillcock/BNPS Pictured: Artist Laura Urquhart with one of her pieces in a cell. Buy and cell.. Customers might find it hard to escape from a new indoor market - as it is being held in a former prison. BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Pic: MaxWillcock/BNPS Pictured: Artist Laura Urquhart with one of her pieces in a cell. Buy and cell.. Customers might find it hard to escape from a new indoor market - as it is being held in a former prison.

The new Saturday market was his idea.

Steve, 47, said: "I thought we should try and make use of the place better. The only markets in the Dorchester area at the moment are on a Wednesday and a Sunday car boot sale.

"There was nothing on a Saturday so those working in the week miss out.

"I wanted it to be a mix of everything so we have got a cheese man, a pie man, a butcher, a lady selling cakes and general market stalls selling dog treats, jewellery, vintage clothing and a couple of artists and we've got a separate craft market as well.

"The car boot sale is by the perimeter wall, and the market stalls in the atrium, the wings and the exercise yard.

"We've had a lot of interest from people far and wide in coming down. I think because it is a quirky location people seem really excited about the whole concept.

"We even had a request from a coach company wanting to come from Essex."

The market will be held on a Saturday once a month but move around to accommodate other events they have booked in.

The next markets will be held on June 17, July 15 and August 26.