A NEW market has helped “bring life” back into Bradford city centre after proving a hit with shoppers.

Made Bradford opened for the first time in Darley Street to give a boost to the area after a period of decline in footfall.

The market, supported by Bradford Council, is for traders from the district and Yorkshire, and featured 15 stalls on its opening day on Saturday.

The market’s first businesses included Woods Brownie Company, All Mapped Out, which sold laser cut crafts and Love Podge cakes.

It has been organised by Jonathan Smith, Shy Burham and Matt Lamont, to tempt shoppers who usually go to the Broadway into other parts of the city centre.

The first one was held to coincide with the Creative Streets events on Darley Street, including music, arts and street performances.

Mr Smith, a business coach for Bradford Trident, said: “The market is something new, something different. We hope this will be the first of many markets.

“People have said today that it’s fantastic to have something to bring a bit of life back to Darley Street. It has done that.”

Stallholders and shoppers hailed the market, which organisers hope will be held several days each year.

Sam Jackson, of Swain House, who ran the Double Bubble stall, selling soaps and wax melts alongside her sister Lorraine Clark, of Eccleshill, hailed the market.

She said: “It’s been two years since we ran a market in Bradford.

“It’s been good here today. This market is good as a start-up but we need more stalls here, especially food ones.”

Irene Foulger, 67, of Tyersal, who attended the market with her husband Frank, 74, said: “Darley Street has deteriorated recently. There are a lot more people about today.

“There is a better feeling here today, it’s bustling.”

Tom Aldridge, 27, of Thornton, said: “Something was needed for the town. It’s a good thing and makes a nice change.

“It has helped create a bit of a buzz.”

The market will next be open on Darley Street during the weekend that the Tour de Yorkshire comes to Bradford. It will be open on Saturday, April 29, between 10am and 5pm and on the following day from 10.30am to 4.30pm.