THE only new outdoor market to open in Wales so far this year was launched in Tredegar yesterday.

A variety of stalls are now at the specially designed market square, near the Gwent Shopping Centre, every Wednesday.

The new market has been organised by Blaenau Gwent council and M and B Markets.

Councillor Olwen Swales, executive member for highways and transportation at Blaenau Gwent council, opened the market by serving the first customer, Jean Evans, of Cefn Glas, Tredegar.

"It's a great pleasure to see a new market here and I wish it every success for the future," she said. "I'm confident it will attract more people into the town centre and generate extra trade for everybody."

The market will open every Wednesday, from 9am to 3pm, with stalls ranging from fresh foods to fancy goods.

Operator Ian Tobin, who runs 14 outdoor markets across Wales, said: "Small community markets like this have a bright future."