A HISTORIC market in the New Forest will be relaunched later this month in a bid to ‘ensure its survival’.

Ringwood Market is held every Wednesday in the town’s Market Place and will be relaunched on April 24.

The right to hold a market was granted in 1226 and the charter has been held by the Morant family since 1792.

A spokesperson for Ringwood Town Council said: “Over the centuries it has changed from selling local produce and livestock to general merchandise, an essential part of trade in our town. Unfortunately, along with most retail trades nationwide, it has declined in recent years, we want to help reverse that trend.

“At the relaunch there will be many new stalls offering traditional merchandise, crafts and foods and we hope to attract sellers of local produce and a select few car booters, to create a varied, vibrant market experience.

They added: “We need the support of the townsfolk to ensure the survival of the market, not only at the relaunch, but every Wednesday thereafter. The traders will keep coming if the buyers do.”