CHARD Market needs your support – that is the message from traders as they look to boost numbers.

The market, which specialises in antiques, vintage collectables and crafts, is held in the Guildhall every Thursday from 8am until 1pm.

People can use the Guildhall cafe and look around the various stalls, which include glass and china, jewellery, model railway, wool, handmade cards, pictures and paintings, and antiques.

Tim and Janet Pitcher, who have been at the market for six months, said: “The more people and footfall you get, the more traders with better things that will come.

“It is not the sort of things you can get on the high street and people can come and have some food and a drink in the cafe, make friends - it is just a good community feel.”

John Pomfret has been trading on and off for the past 40 years. He said: “People love the programmes on the television like Antiques Roadshow and yet here you have that on your doorstep. People can bring their items along for valuation, we are quite a friendly bunch and we would love to meet more people.”

Gill Langford added: “There are a diversity of goods and I think people would be pleasantly surprised with the range of items on offer at value for money. Every week there are different traders and different items and I love it when you can help match someone up with an item and be able to sell them something they have been looking for.”

Chard’s Antique Market has been running for almost 50 years and during that time has seen a lot of changes.

Town clerk Sarah Robson said: “It now boasts so much more than just antiques and is diversifying to encompass the growing trend towards vintage and crafts.

“Markets nationwide seem to have been the victim of not only the downturn in the economy but also the growing trend towards internet shopping. This has impacted on trade. We want to encourage local people to come and take a look at what’s on offer. Shop local and support our town.”

If you would like a stall at the market, call Chard Town Council on 01460-239567 for prices.