Witham's first-ever French street market has left the town begging for more.

That is the opinion of organiser Ian Cass - chairman of the chamber of commerce.

"It was fantastique," he said. "Even the horrible weather did not dampen the shopper's spirits too much.

"There was a terrific ambience. It was, above all, something different for the town.

"It was buzzing. We were very pleased to have pulled this off."

The day went far better than the Chamber had expected.

"A survey showed about 54% of people came to the town just because of the market.

"Some drove in from Kent and Suffolk. Many of them shopped elsewhere after looking over the stalls. I know of one couple from Kent who enjoyed the stalls then booked a holiday with a local travel agent."

The French were also pleased.

"I think they want to come back, so I am confident we shall be talking about doing it again next year. It depends on whether this was the sort of thing the town wants to see. "

Published Wednesday November 6, 2002