A return to good old fashioned home cooking and crafts saw crowds flocking to the Town Hall in Maldon.

And organisers of the Women's Institute Market declared its re-launch a huge success.

The market, selling goods including cakes, fresh eggs and wooden trinkets, was forced to close last year due to a lack of traders wanting to sell goods and volunteers to sit on the committee.

But now it is back following pleas from locals and support from Maldon Town Council to help it get off the ground.

Market controller Maureen Patient said the relaunch had gone extremely well.

Stallholders have to be serious about their goods to work at the market - those selling food have to have relevant hygiene certificates.

"A lot of our old customers came back and they all said how pleased they were that we were back.

"The hall was packed out and sales were quite good - I am certain we will keep going this time," she added.

Town clerk Helen Vincent was on hand to officially open the market, which will now be held in the Town Hall foyer each Thursday between 9.15am and noon.

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