THE highly popular and successful French Market returns to Huddersfield town centre next week.

It runs from Thursday, October 6, to Sunday, October 9.

The market's return to New Street is part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the twinning link between Kirklees and Besançon in eastern France.

The mayors of Kirklees and Besançon will formally open the market at about 10.30am on Friday, October 7.

They will then tour the market with children from schools involved in twinning links throughout the years.

Goods on offer from Marché de France include bread baked on site, cheeses, onions, garlic and wine.

Staff from Kirklees's markets department will be running a children's quiz devised by Marché de France throughout the four days of the market.

In addition to the French Market, the Made in Yorkshire traders will be on the Piazza on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9.

They will be showcasing Yorkshire produce, with a range of items including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, art, glass and wood.

Visitors can meet the makers, watch them in action and have the opportunity to buy examples of their work.

Clr John Smithson, Kirklees Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Both the French Market and Made in Yorkshire events generate an upbeat, bustling environment.

"The opportunity to join these two markets together in celebration of the twinning link will provide a great shopping experience, offering local produce together with that from our twin town's country."

* Kirklees has confirmed dates for the popular Christmas Markets. They are:

Huddersfield, November 17 to 20 and December 8 to 11; Batley, November 26 and Cleckheaton, December 3.