Wellington Market traders need your votes

Stallholders at Wellington Market have stepped up their "flash and banter" techniques in a bid to pull in more shoppers. Traders are going head to head in a public vote.

It is to see which stall holder has the best flash - the visual presentation of a stall - and banter - a market trader's light-hearted and often "slightly cheeky" interaction with customers.

The market company has set up a website for the public to vote for their favourite trader.

The winning stall holder will collect a cheque for £1,000 while everyone who enters will get a chance to win a £250 shopping voucher.

Traders have also submitted a video of themselves in mid flow trying to flog their merchandise, which can be viewed at www.flashand banter.co.uk

Market manager Kay Boakye said: "We are hoping that this will have a positive effect and make the shopping experience much more entertaining for the customers."

Geoff Stoker, proprietor of G&L Stoker, a trader selling curtains, cushions and other home furnishings,said: "We welcome anything that puts the market in the spotlight and this competition is proving to be great fun.

"There is a serious side to it though, as attracting new customers into market shopping is essential if they are to survive in today's retail environment."

Brenda McCreadie, a Wellington trader that specialises in bags, said: "This competition is definitely helping put the market on the map and hopefully this will encourage shoppers to explore all that market shopping offers."