DEWSBURY Market has won a national award for being the best in the country - but traders are puzzled by the win!

The town's famous open market, which boasts over 300 stalls, was named the best open market in the country in this year's Market of the Year competition.

The contest, run by the National Association of British Market Authorities, attracted 50 entries from across the UK.

Applicants had to show the difference their markets made to the community through the likes of innovation, improving public areas and good practice.

Clr Ken Sims, Kirklees Council's Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is wonderful news and underlines our commitment to making markets in Kirklees the best they can be.

"The refurbishment work currently under way in Dewsbury Market will make it fit for another 100 years for both traders and customers."

Bur Dewsbury Market traders had mixed reactions when they heard their market was voted the best in the country.

Una Hainsworth, of the Toy Box, said: "I am surprised the market has been voted best in the country.

"The market isn't as nice as it used to be and it's definitely not as busy.

"I've had this stall for 12 years and have been coming down here for as long as I can remember and it has changed a lot. There used to be more variety.

"But a lot of people come here on coach trips, particularly in the summer, so there must be something that attracts them!"

David Taylor and David Medley have been working on the market since the age of 14.

They said they had seen the market change dramatically over the years. They were also baffled as to why Dewsbury Market had won the top accolade.

David Taylor, who runs a fruit and veg stall, said: "The problem is there are not enough speciality stalls and too many offer the same items.

"It doesn't get as busy as it used to. The place should be heaving with people at 2.30pm, but instead traders are packing up to go home.

"An increase in parking charges hasn't helped the market either."

David Medley, stallholder for Pickers and Dill cosmetics, said: "It's a big market and there's still a lot of options and varieties. So maybe that's why some people think it's good.

"But for me working here is not as enjoyable as it used to be. I think a lot of traders have lost a sense of community."

Jane Rothery, of Rothery's of Batley, said: "I am really surprised.

"It makes me wonder who else entered," she added.

Tony Mcgowan, who runs Tony's Bargains, has been a trader for 20 years.

He said: "We haven't got the same number of customers any more.

"I know there is refurbishment work going on, but much more improvement is needed."