THERE will be a European flavour for shoppers in Bolton next month when a continental market opens in the town centre for the first time.

The market will have 30 stalls from France, Belgium, Spain and Italy.

Produce will include Dutch and French cheese, handmade Belgian chocolates, biscuits from Brittany, German sausages and handmade goods, jewellery made in Paris and Italian leatherwear.

The three-day market will be held in Victoria Square between October 14 and 17.

The market has been organised by Bolton Town Centre Company and Continental and Old French Market Limited following the success of the French Market in May.

The French market featured 10 stalls, but the continental market should be much larger and will have products not usually available in Britain.

Cathy Savage, Bolton Town Centre manager, said: "The continental market will be different from anything we have done before.

"The French market in May went well and we had a good response from shoppers. We wanted to do something which would build on that success and encourage shoppers into the town centre. It should be a fantastic event."

Geoff Drinkel, marketing director of Continental and Old French Market Limited, said: "Bolton is a fabulous place to come and hold a French market. We look for vibrant towns and cities across the UK and Bolton fitted the bill.

"We have a fantastic range of specialist continental food and drink, as well as cutting edge jewellery from Paris. We guarantee all the products, which means that shoppers will be able to bring back products if they are not happy."

The market will be open from 8.30am until 5.30pm.