SIGHTS, sounds, taste and smells of a traditional French street market swept through the shopping streets of Eastleigh.

More than 20 market traders from the Normandy region rolled into town and it proved to be a great hit as bar-gain hunters shopped in the sunshine.

Eastleigh town centre manager Dennis Chandler said: "The French market is always popular in Eastleigh. It brings something very different into the town."

French specialities such as olives, garlic, onions, bread and cheese were in abundance - all brought across the Channel in specially refrigerated vans.

The French visitors did a roaring trade as Eastleigh shoppers were keen to fill their fridges with ingredients for some continental cuisine.

As well as traditional foods there was a wide range of household goods and clothes, including china, table coverings and leather goods.

Mr Chandler added: "The French like coming to Eastleigh because they find it a friendly, compact and pleas-ant town.

"Most traders speak English but if you know a little French it is well worth practising."

The French market day is scheduled to return to the town on July 12 and September 27.