Businesses in Bakery Lane, which runs from Chapel Street to the central car park, have started a new monthly outdoor market on the third Saturday of every month.

It consists of a number of different arts, crafts and jewellery stalls.

The market was introduced after all the shops came together to work out a plan to boost trade in the narrow shopping street amid the economic recession.

Ladies boutique Tatty Hattie, florist Blacksmiths Daughter, home and garden specialist Inside Out, record and CD stockist The Music Station, Django's bistro, Bakery Lane barbers shop, vintage and contemporary art gift shop The Name, Petersfield Kebab Shop and Coates hairdressing salon are all involved.

Tatty Hattie manager Carol Steward said the idea was to make Bakery Lane a 'mini lanes' area similar to that in Brighton. She said: "It is about trying to get people to know that Bakery Lane is here and to draw people in.

"We have done two so far and it has been really good – we have had a lot of people and it has got a really lovely atmosphere.

"It is mainly people from out of town who set up stalls in the market."

She added the market was boosting Bakery Lane's profile, with many locals telling her 'I did not know all this was here.'