A community in Southampton is hoping to beat the credit crunch by launching its first market.

Bitterne village came alive yesterday with the sights and sounds of a variety of stalls.

After months of planning butchers, fish mongers, fruit and vegetable stalls along with continental food stalls decorated the village.

The Wednesday market was organised by Bitterne Village Traders’ Association in a bid to encourage more people to the area.

Chairman of the Traders’ Association Rod Bennett, said: “The response has been tremendous.

“I thought the first day might be a little on the quiet side, but it’s gone really well and I’m delighted with the result.”