IT'S been a firm favourite with Furness shoppers over the years, but now one of the area's most treasured and distinguished community venues has been shortlisted for Britain's best market.

For years, Barrow market hall has provided good, quality produce from fruit and veg to meat and poultry, flowers, crafts and everything else in between.

But now, the indoor market has been recognised at a national level making it in to the final six of the prestigious 'Britain's favourite market competition', held by the National Association of British Markets.

The community hub will be visited by the CEO of British markets next Wednesday (13) along with two of the judges from the panel who will assess the market against a range of criteria.

Nostalgia from Barrow Market over the decades

Jacqui Armstrong from the market said: "We are thrilled. We have worked so hard this year from the market hall team to the traders.

"It's a big boost to the traders to know that they have the public support.

"Paul Smith, our supervisor has wanted to make the market a hub for the community and we've worked really hard to achieve that.

"We are liaising with local schools to encourage children in because they are the future, and looking at incentives for new businesses."

The market is being judged against a number of bigger and outfits, including Kirkgate in Leeds, and Skipton outdoor market but judges already revealed to Mrs Armstrong that Barrow was quite the competitor.

"We were told that we received a very high volume of votes and we did very well in the public vote," she added.

During next week's visit, the judges will be able to see a typical bustling market day in action complete with performances by St George's School choir, entertainment from a saxophonist in aid of Cystic Fibrosis and a flurry of festive activity from Margaret Burrow and the BDDA organised 'Elves in the Market.'

Festive cheer set to return with launch of beloved Barrow grotto

CEO Hilary Paxman said: "Britain's favourite market is a tough competition to win as it relies on the support of the public vote to get in to the final stage.

"I am delighted that Barrow is on to the final part of the competition and I, and my fellow judges will be visiting them alongside all the other finalists before Christmas to find out for ourselves why they should be deemed Britain's favourite market."

The winner will be revealed at a special conference on January, 25.