Crafty folk from in and around Stroud are being invited to take part in a series of weekend Festive Markets throughout November and December at the Five Valleys shopping centre.

As part of the ongoing redevelopment of the centre - formerly known as Merrywalks - a large, open-plan, light and airy space has been opened up by contractors Speller Metcalfe.

And the centre are planning on making it a hub for their Festive fun with the market and Father Christmas - in a yurt, naturally - moving in.

Centre manager Dionne Moore is keen to hear from any food, craft and gift traders who would like to be a part of the Festive Market line up.

She said: "We have some exciting long-term plans for this area which will be transformed into a really stunning industrial style, quirky market area.

"Ahead of that transformation we have this space available now which presents a great opportunity to work with some of the region's great local companies who are interested in joining our Festive Market line up.

"Markets are such a great way for independent companies to spread the word and we know there are some really fabulous traders in our region."

In the run up to Christmas the market area will also host "Father Christmas' Yurt" with a special festive theme and visits to Santa for young shoppers.

The Five Valleys Festive Market will launch on Saturday, November 16 after the centre's Christmas decorations have been installed.

A special evening market will take place on December 6 during Stroud's traditional Goodwill Evening. It will run every Saturday through to Christmas.

Anyone interested in trading at the Five Valley's Festive Markets should contact Dionne on dionne.moore@fivevalleysstroud.co.uk  or 01453 765164.

To keep up to date with news and events at Five Valleys go to www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk