The first market was held in the Assembly Rooms last Friday and attracted about 200 visitors. Some took the chance to book a stall at the second market taking place today.

Organiser Maureen Rutland said stalls included crafts, bric-a-brac, books, toys, cakes, collectables, pictures and jewellery. Refreshments were also on sale.

Mrs Rutland said the WI market used to take place on Friday mornings and was missed by many residents. "We had a really good turnout last week and everyone said how lovely it was to have something on again," she went on.

For the first four weeks of the market, stalls are available free of charge.

If the venture takes off and continues to be held, stallholders will be charged £8 with the proceeds going towards Swaffham's Christmas lights.

One happy visitor to the indoor market, Steve Hudson, said: "In these times of uncertainty, it was very refreshing to see Swaffham putting a bit of oomph back with a very well-run and organised market."

He described the Assembly Rooms as "brimming" with stalls and shoppers and said there was a good atmosphere. "There was certainly a variety of items to keep my interest going," added Mr Hudson, a committee member of Swaffham Business and Retail Forum.