Customers, traders and staff at Bilston Market are celebrating after being crowned Britain's Best Large Outdoor Market.

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The popular market in Bilston Town Centre beat off competition from across the UK to win the accolade.

Judges highlighted the "vibrancy and buzzing atmosphere" of Bilston Market as the reason it scooped the prize.

Graham Walker, chief executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities, was head of the judging panel and presented the award to market chiefs at a ceremony held at Birmingham Town Hall yesterday.

Mr Walker said: "We felt that Bilston Outdoor Market had a real buzz about it and a real atmosphere. It was busy and the traders seem to have an excellent relationship with the market management. It fulfilled all the criteria we were looking for.

"There was competition from across the UK, so this is a really prestigious award for Bilston. I know it had been in contention for a number of years now, it's a very impressive market."

Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet member for city services, said: "This is a marvellous accolade for Bilston Market and a real credit to the traders, the staff and the customers who all contribute to make this such a thriving facility.

"It has beaten the best markets in the country to scoop this prize and that speaks for itself. Bilston Market attracts people from miles around and I would urge anyone who hasn't been to visit Britain's newly crowned best outdoor market  to come down and see for yourself what all the fuss is about."

Bilston boasts both an outdoor and an indoor market selling a wide variety of fresh foods, fruit and veg, meat and fish, fashion, jewellery and household items.

The large outdoor market boasts 117 stalls. It is open on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and attracts around 9,500 visitors each day.

It benefits from free parking and is within easy walking distance of the town's bus station and Metro stop. There is also a modern café offering customers the chance to have a welcome break from their shopping.

  • released: Friday 31 January, 2014