A six foot pig proved a big draw for the inaugural Dartford market on Sunday.

Popular porky television personality Peppa Pig spent the day in the high street, much to the delight of children who had their pictures taken with the happy hog.

There was also live music, fresh-cooked pork, and the Dartford Messenger team handing out balloons, flags and painting faces.

The new market is part of proposals to turn the town around after Dartford was named one of the first 12 Portas Pilot towns, winning a share of £1 million.

It is hoped to complement the Thursday and Saturday markets already being held.

Whitegates Farm and Nursery owner Saul Mallett from Rainham ran a fruit and vegetable stall.

He said: “There’s probably more people than I was expecting at this time of the morning. We’ll probably give the market three or four goes and see how it pans out.”

Town centre manager Lewis Kirnon was pleased with how the day went.

He said: “We’re really pleased, firstly with the weather, but it’s always difficult with starting something like this but so far reaction has been excellent.
“Peppa Pig has been a real crowd puller and we want people to come and enjoy the town centre.”

For more reaction and pictures from the event, see this Thursday’s Dartford Messenger.