THE launch of Newton Abbot's new Sunday market was a certified success, in spite of less than ideal weather!

Spearheaded by the Plot Deli’s Kris Hanson, with support from Newton Abbot Town Council, the inaugural market drew large crowds from 10am when it opened to closing time at 3pm.

And this was in spite of heavy rain, which cleared up come 3pm - typical!

The market, which took place on Sunday, May 5, and will run on the first Sunday of every month henceforth, proved popular with stall-holders and passersby alike.

‘We had an awesome day’ Kris said.

‘I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who came along and to Newton Abbot Town Council for the assistance in making this happen.

‘An even bigger thank you to all the amazing traders, without whom it would not have been possible.

‘Many of them will be bak next month and we also have some new additions joining us in June!’ he added.

Also, those who swung by the market on Courtenay Street would surely have spotted a panda making the rounds.

Not an escapee from Paignton or Dartmoor Zoos, alas, but local children’s writer Karen Barrett, who was busy promoting her KickStarter campaign to publish her first book ‘The Adventurous Panda Bear’, a soft learning board book about a brave and curious panda bear who visits Asia to learn about animals.

More than £800 has been pledged to Karen’s campaign within the first few days of its launch.