LONG-time Andover resident, Albert Stevens, has spoken up in support of Andover's market traders.

A plea was made last week for the twice weekly popular markets to be smartened up. The 85-year-old former shopkeeper pointed out bad weather, high winds and rain always had a detrimental effect on the High Street stalls but when the sun was shining and the weather was warm 'the market is as attractive as you can find anywhere'.

"I always like to be loyal to Andover and I think the traders do a good job," he said.