LEIGH Market is marking 30 years since the hall opened its doors.

Celebrations begin on Monday with family-friendly activities with visitors being encouraged to find 30 special birthday cards hidden around the Gas Street hall for a chance to win stall vouchers

A prize hamper was also filled with produce with customers challenged to guess its worth based on 1989 prices.

The closest guess will win the hamper and two runners up will win a signed Leigh Centurions shirt or rugby ball.

Dave Lister owns Lister’s Butcher’s in Leigh Market.

He has been trading since before the hall opened.

Dave said: “Leigh Market is a great place to shop and work.

"It’s friendly and informal, which makes the market a real community made up of customers and traders.

“Without our loyal customers supporting us every day, we wouldn’t be this vibrant and popular and we wouldn’t be celebrating 30 years.

“We look forward to our celebrations over the next couple of weeks and encourage everybody to come and join us in the fun!”

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Historically, an outdoor market was first located on Civic Square outside Leigh Town Hall.

And in 1968, traders moved to Leigh Road, where the small Asda is now situated.

In order to provide a wider variety a decision was taken in 1968 to relocate the market to Gas Street so that customers could benefit from a more vibrant offer.

Director for economy and skills at Wigan Council Becca Heron said: “Since 1989, Leigh Market has developed and grown.

"It has an extremely popular and diverse offering and the reason that it has been so prosperous is as a result of the loyal customers and dedicated traders.

“On behalf of the council, I’d like to say Happy Birthday and a big thank you to everybody who helps to make Leigh Market thrive.

"The friendly traders will always go the extra mile and some customers have been part of this community for generations.”

One of the few vacant stalls will also be dressed with festive backdrops so visitors can get into the Christmas spirit by taking celebratory "selfies".

There will also be a market treasure hunt and a pony party for customers and families to enjoy.

For more information about the competitions throughout the week, head to the market and speak with Kathryn Holt at Café Central.