Telford’s first ever European Christmas Market officially opened for business yesterday with traders enjoying a busy day.

The European Christmas Market opened the hatches on its chalet style stalls at 10am yesterday morning and will open everyday until Friday 23 December.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the outdoor bar serving gluhwein and other tipples has been well attended and many have already enjoyed a bratwurst or two. There is plenty of other food and drink to choose from and a variety of unusual gifts and crafts to buy.

And if the kids need to be entertained a mini fun fair is also at hand for a break from the eating, drinking and shopping.

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for Housing, Leisure and Health, said: “I’m delighted that Telford European Christmas Market is now open, and judging by the number of people already visiting it’s going to be a great addition to Southwater over the festive period.

“Southwater is a fantastic location for a market such as this, with Telford Shopping Centre on the doorstep, Telford Town Park just a short wander, lots of restaurants and things to do such as the Ice Rink, Bowling and Cineworld nearby, making a day of it couldn’t be simpler.

“But it’s not just European fayre on offer, the market is a mix of European and local businesses who have this unique opportunity to have a presence in one of the borough’s busiest locations, boosting not only those local businesses but the local economy further enhancing growth in Telford & Wrekin.

“So come along and enjoy, I know I for one will be back.”

Telford European Christmas Market is open daily from 10am-7pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 10am-9pm Thursday to Saturday up to Friday 23 December.