PLANNERS of this year's Christmas market in Devizes have revealed how they aim to top the success of the first one last year by making the market the biggest in Wiltshire.

Alex Duffey, chairman of Devizes Development Partnership, who championed the original project, says that last year between 30 and 40 stalls were spread through the Market Place and The Brittox. Now he hopes to double that number at this year's event, due to take place on November 29.

He said: "Last year it was all very last minute and we were absolutely delighted at how well it went. The feedback we have had from local people was phenomenal and everyone we have spoken to wants to see it back again.

"There was criticism about the quality of some of the stalls, but they all did good business and we have to cater to as wide a range of the local population as possible.

"The police said it was the busiest they had ever seen the town and there was no trouble at all."

Hughmark will once again be the company responsible for booking the stalls and has reported that it already has more stalls booked than last year's final total. Mr Duffey said: "It would be great to have 100 stalls but we are certainly on target to double the number of stalls we had last year. That will make Devizes Christmas market the biggest in Wiltshire."

The market is set to run from 9am to 9pm.

As well as the commercial stalls, which will fill the Market Place, Wine Street, High Street and The Brittox, the Shambles market hall will host charity stalls for local good causes.

Local groups have been invited to book now for a place in the Shambles. They should contact Mr Duffey on (01380) 720409.