In the market for Christmas

Linda Thornham of Hull's indoor market

This month's front cover star is Linda Thornham, who has worked as a fruit seller in Hull's indoor market for 35 years.
The market, in the city's Old Town, was shut for a week in October in order for the drains to be repaired, but the 50 or so traders soon bounced back into action and are gearing up for a bumper Christmas season.
"The worst part of being closed was not being able to serve the customers who've been coming here for so many years," says Linda.
"We have a great banter and there's always a great atmosphere in here.
"It's the old fashioned way of shopping – with customers going round the stalls at a leisurely pace and stopping for a chat and a cup of tea."
The market also has butchers and a fishmonger – but it's not just about food.
There are a great many other stalls including a cobbler, a key cutter, a seamstress, a draper, and two cafés.
There are also stalls selling electrical goods, furniture, flowers, lingerie and underwear, computer inks and cables, and ornaments imported from the Far East.
"You can buy stuff in here all under one roof that you can't get anywhere else in the region – it's a specialist environment," says Steve Mathie, vice chair of the Market Traders' Association who sells records and rock and pop memorabilia.
The indoor market will be trading on both Sundays before Christmas (December 16 and 23) between 10am and 4pm.
There will also be a farmers' market on December 14 and 23 in Trinity Square.
Don't miss Anna and Iain's visit to the market on p25.