Shoppers flocked to Wells as the city hosted its Christmas mega-market.

More than 130 stalls stretched through Market Place and occupied Bishop's Palace Green, offering a feast of festive food and drink, gift ideas, plus plenty of music and entertainment.

Among the traders were Mendip Business Awards finalists, and award winners from the Southwest Regional Final of Young Trader of the Year, which was hosted in the city earlier this summer.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, Wells Town Crier Len Sweales, local Mendip councillors and council staff gathered beneath the Bishop's Eye on Saturday, to cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially declare the market open for business.

Cllr Wyke said: "Mendip is so proud of its weekly markets which are held throughout the year in Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, and of course, in Wells.

"However, Christmas is an extra-special time, and that's why we are offering an extra-special market to match.

"A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make this event so wonderful. It would not have been possible without the support of the surrounding businesses, the Diocese of Bath and Wells, the Bishop's Palace, Wells Chamber of Commerce and Wells City Council as well as a number of Mendip officers and the vast array of traders. We thank them all for their contributions.

"We hope residents and visitors alike will come to the city, support local businesses, and enjoy the atmosphere and the special shopping experience to be had here in Wells."

There's still plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas in Wells market experience this season. Another Christmas mega-market is due to take place tomorrow (Saturday December 21) from 9am to 4pm, and the regular Wednesday market will be a day early, on Christmas Eve, running from 9am to 2pm, for those last-minute shoppers to pick up a bargain.

Free festive parking will be available on both occasions. Mendip District Council recently announced it will be suspending all parking charges until Christmas Eve, and also on New Year's Day.