An appeal has been launched for any information regarding the whereabouts of Clitheroe Market’s adopted cat Po.

Po's cat family love visiting Clitheroe Market - 15-year-old Po has always been a regular visitor, making the cosy cat beds in the pet stall her home from home.  Her sister La La used to to cross Station Road at the zebra crossing on her visits to the market before she was sadly run over on the crossing several years ago.

Rayleigh's ancient market, which back to the 12th century and is the second oldest in the country (after Colchester), had been experiencing dwindling trade when the town council decided to take it over and move it to its new location in the heart of the town outside Boots. 

Shoppers are now returning to the market in their droves to buy cakes, bread, fruit and veg and are boosting high street trade in the process. The market moved just before Christmas and has been so successful there is now a waiting list of 50 traders.

The first stage of an £18m regeneration programme is about to begin in Brighton as the remaining traders from Brighton’s Open Market move out of units some of them have operated from for more than 30 years. The market will be held in nearby Francis Street during the transformation, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2013.

There will be one less stall at Mexborough's indoor market this month - veteran market trader Gordon Smith is saying farewell to customers of his toy stall and fellow stallholders after more than 50 years.

Gordon has been an icon at the market in his Union Jack top hat for generations of children, he has organised many market events and seen many crazes come and go over the years, including Star Wars figures and yoyos. Gordon said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. It’s a great town and the people make it what it is.”