Market traders in Gloucester are supporting a campaign to ensure shoppers are not sold fake goods.

The 'Real Deal' campaign is a nation-wide initiative that makes sure markets are run legally and have a working relationship with Trading Standards

The scheme is designed to promote legal sellers and goods in market places to help prevent members of the public being sold fakes.

The first agreement in the county has been signed by Gloucester City Council which regularly holds markets in the city centre, including Eastgate Market and Kings Square Market.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "It is important to ensure legitimate traders are protected and those who feel they can make easy money are deterred at the earliest stage.

"This is an exciting new venture for us, and many other authorities around the country have seen significant improvement in enforcement and relationships when it comes to making sure market traders are not selling fake goods."

Cllr Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "I'm delighted to be leading the way in the county by signing up to the Real Deal campaign.

"This is a great initiative that will see us working together with trading standards to protect consumers and local businesses from the harm caused by the trade in counterfeit goods."

Patricia Lennon, of the Real Deal campaign, said: "We are delighted to welcome Eastgate Market and Kings Square Market into the 'Real Deal' scheme. By signing the Real Deal Charter, both markets can now display the Real Deal logo, giving an assurance to their shoppers and acts as a deterrent to any rogue traders.

For more information on the scheme visit: http://www.realdealmarkets.co.uk.

Pictured: Shane Manley, markets officer at Gloucester City Council (left) with traders from Eastgate Indoor Market who are supporting the Real Deal scheme.