Organisers of a new art and crafts market at Warminster’s Old Town Hall hailed its launch day on Saturday as a huge success, after shoppers turned out in force to support the venture.

Town Treasures, which was set up by local residents Sarah-Jayne Wright and Stacey Henry, opened its doors to the public at 9.30am, with crowds of people waiting to see what the market had to offer.

Traders included Ali’s Pantry, Gorgeous Bags, Purses & Accessories, The Cornflower Floral Designs, Ashton Lane Alpacas, Purely Boys, Tyro Laser Cutting & Engraving and Anastasia Crafts and Gifts.

The market will continue to take place every Friday and Saturday at the hall, with Mrs Wright and Ms Henry hoping more traders interested in being involved in the market will come forward following its early success.

Mrs Wright, who runs interior design consultancy Rumah Interiors, said: “It was a bit overwhelming. When I opened the door to put the sign out, people were already trying to get in.

“We had all of the councillors come along, as well as the mayor and the preservation trust, and everyone was reminiscing about the town hall and talking about their memories of it.

“The feedback was fantastic and everyone was saying that it was great to see what we had done with it, as before it had been wasted. I love the building anyway, so it was especially nice for me to see it busy again.

“We weren’t empty at any point and all the stall holders were shocked about just how successful it was. There were also 12 new inquiries on Saturday about having a stall and we have now built up a waiting list.”

The market, which featured stalls selling arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing, greeting cards, toys and interior items, will have regular traders returning each week, as well as rotating stalls to make sure there is always something different.

Warminster Cllr Paul Macdonald, who visited the market, said: “A huge thumbs-up was given by our community to the efforts of Sarah-Jayne and Stacey, as the public turned up in their droves to make this a historic event.”

For more details, visit www.towntreasures.co.uk or email market@towntreasures.co.uk