A MARKET that promotes local businesses has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The Kirkby Lonsdale Branch of Country Market celebrated its anniversary with an afternoon tea at the Lunesdale Hall for members from the past and the present.

Market Volunteer Malcolm Benson said the market has had a 'chequered history.'

He said: "For the first four years, the market was held in the garage at the Royal Hotel. In the following six years, we graduated from the Red Cross Rooms, and in the late 1980s, we moved into our present premises at The Lunesdale Hall.

"The event was an opportunity for us to meet up again with old friends, make new ones and for the stalwarts who run it now to show past colleagues that the traditional high standards of produce and decorative crafts that have been the hallmark of the Market have been maintained." 

The market opens every Thursday from mid-February to mid-December to the public, offering a varied range of goods from the selection of traditional home baking through a variety of arts and crafts, beauty products and even a second-hand bookstall in aid of Kendal and District Lions Club.

Malcolm added: "Our cafe provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the outdoor market in the square and has a range of cakes, teacakes and bacon butties plus a choice of teas and coffees to wash them down.

"Next time you are in Kirkby Lonsdale on a Thursday, look out for the signs and pop in for a look around and perhaps some refreshments. We are looking forward to seeing you there."

Further information is on Kirkby Lonsdale Branch of Country Market Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/KLcountrymarket/