FOLLOWING hot on the heels of Pontypool's success, Cwmbran is to be the next venue for a European street market.

More than 25 different stalls will be pitched in Gwent Square from Thursday, May 4 to May 6.

It will be the first time Cwmbran acts as host to a French street market and centre manager Gerry Hutchings, said he hoped the event would be a new experience for many shoppers.

Mr Hutchings said: "Our customers will get the chance to browse around an authentic French market right on their very own doorstep, which is surely an incredible opportunity.

"Attractions will include everything that you think of when you imagine the tastes and smells of French food, and we believe it will prove to be an extremely popular event with customers visiting from far and wide."

The stalls will stock all kinds of French produce, including bread, olives, mustards, sausages, cheese, smoked ham, Breton biscuits, wine, cider, soap and lavender, and even jewellery and handbags.

Retailers around the town are also being encouraged to join in with the theme of all things French throughout the three-day event.

He added "We are hoping many of our 170 shops and stores will embrace the spirit of the event and help to create a truly continental atmosphere for our shoppers by decorating their premises, or promoting French products.

"We are delighted to welcome the market to Cwmbran for the first time ever, and if it proves as popular with our customers as we expect it to be, we are hoping it could well become a regular visitor to the town."