Two young market workers have earned themselves a couple of gongs for their professionalism at Deal Market.

Grace Creasey, 17, of Friendy’s Flowers and Owen Thomas, 18, from the Fruit and Veg stall received highly commended in The Retail Markets Industry Market Hero Awards 2021 in the Young Market Champion sector.

Town clerk Lorna Crow presented them with their certificates on Saturday, February 20.

She said: "The council is very proud of these two young market heroes and they are a great asset to the town and community."

Grace and Owen were both nominated for their dedication, professional attitude and overwhelming customer service towards visitors to the market.

Mrs Crow added: "I know their employers are as proud as we are of them.

"We are very lucky in Deal that we have had a Saturday Market since 1699 which is also included in the town's Royal Charter, and with traders and staff like this we will be sure to have a thriving market for many generations to come."

"They are a great asset to the town and community..."

Deal Market is open every Saturday between 9am to 2pm.

After advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for England (SAGE) and the leading markets organisation NABMA, changes were made to the weekly shopping area after a hiatus caused by the pandemic.

Face coverings are now mandatory while on site and a one-way system is in force with the entrance and exit at Union Road.

Marshals assist the market officer and ensure Covid rules and laws are adhered to.

Although the number of stalls are reduced to essential stalls only, there are plenty of local wares available from the 17 stalls that trade each week including: wine, fruit, veg, cakes, eggs, flowers, coffee, breads, cheese, butcher, buns, dog treats, Polish food, Kentish knockers, pastries also Chai tea, an Italian Deli, loose tea and paraphernalia plus Smart Coffee and home made soaps.

Restrictions on essential only traders will be lifted and more stalls will be added when HM Government lift the restrictions.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal