STUDLEY was alight with festive cheer as the community turned out in force to support the first ever Christmas market which took place alongside the annual lights switch on.

The festive market was arranged and coordinated by local networking group, Studley in Business and managed by Sketts Markets, with the support of Justin Kerridge, Stratford District Councillor for Studley & Mappleborough Green.

The market traded from 1.30pm until 8.30pm on Friday, December 2 and was so busy that several stalls found themselves needing to replenish their stock in order to keep up with demand.

The Studley Business community was well represented by the Shakespeare Inn, Studley Fine Foods, Mr Balti, Studley Florist, Sue’s Sweet Shop, Rough Hill Farm Shop, Brewin Books, Studley High School, Trophy Pet Foods and The Studley Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Studley in Business shared a stall with several of their members who took turns to represent the group throughout the event.

The market took place in Millennium Square on Studley High Street, owned by MBK Training who provided the space free of charge for the occasion.

Visitors to the market enjoyed a double treat as the annual Christmas lights switch on and Christmas fair was just next door at the village hall.

Shohaib Shafiq, chairman of Studley in Business said: "The inaugural Studley Christmas Market was a great success for the village and the businesses who supported it.When Studley in Business first suggested the idea, it was met with some scepticism – but the wholehearted support and drive of Justin Kerridge and our vice-chair Siân Smith - who led an enthusiastic marketing campaign - helped to bring the event to life and turn it into a memorable evening for our community.

"The Studley in Business committee all live or work in the village and we volunteer our time with the aim of improving the long term sustainability of businesses in the village. The success of this first market has inspired some very positive conversations about future events – so watch this space."

More information about Studley in Business can be found at studleyinbusiness.co.uk, via Facebook/studleyinbusiness and Twitter @BusinessStudley.