Jarrow's first market hailed as a success

Hundreds of people flocked to the event which saw 52 stalls offering a range of wares at the Viking Centre on Sunday.

The market, which will be every fortnight, was created by businesswoman Carol Jakeman-Flounders who made a Facebook poll to gauge the public’s response.

The Mayor and Mayores South Tyneside, Councillor Alan and Councillor Moira Smith, helping out on the Bling and Buy stall with Liz Potts

Within three hours she had 7,500 people liking the page.

Carol said: “I have always thought that Jarrow could do with a market.

“I lived in Germany for a while and many towns over there run this type of community event.

“Just two hours after posting my idea for a community fayre on Facebook, I had 7,000 supporters which I think shows the level of excitement and enthusiasm for this project.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Alan and Councillor Moira Smith, cutting the ribbon to officially open Jarrows community Fayre with Carol Jakeman-Flounders

She said: “It was absolutely brilliant, people were standing shoulder to shoulder. It was fantastic. I heard that the car Park at Morrisons was full and their was tail-backs fro Hebburn.

“We also had people from Sunderland, Blyth, Durham and Newcastle - so it brought people from further afield.”

The launch event also featured singers, a bouncy castle, face painting and dancers.

The Mayor, Coun Alan Smith, said: “Anything that draws more people into the Borough is to be welcomed. With stalls selling everything from craft to cheese, there really is something for everyone at this fayre.”

The fayre will be held every second Sunday at the Viking Precinct in Jarrow.

The next one will be taking place on October 30 between 10am and 3pm.

Carol said: “We’re going to have a Halloween extravaganza and there will be even more rides for the children.

“We probably have capacity for 70 stalls, so I am hoping this one is going to be even bigger and better.”