Markets Minister Rosie Winterton congratulated the nation's favourite markets who were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in February.

Ms Winterton said the winners of the 2010 Market of the Year awards demonstrated how traditional markets could thrive in the 21st century, playing a crucial role in bringing town centres to life.

The Minister said her aim was to see central government, local government and the markets industry starting a markets renaissance by working together on promoting the benefits of different kinds of successful markets. Award winners varied from Best Small Market (Ipswich) to Best Outdoor Market (Hinckley) to Best Wholesale Market (New Covent Garden).

Ms Winterton announced the Government would shortly be publishing a guide to help councils, traders and managers make their local market a success and take opportunities to ensure they thrive in the future as we move towards economic recovery.

Speaking at the national Building Better Markets Conference in Birmingham, Rosie Winterton said:
"I know from my own Doncaster market we all enjoy a trip to our local market whether it's to Covent Garden, Hitchin or Hinckley and markets are part of our heritage. The best ones play a crucial role in community life and the local economy. They can draw shoppers to the area, give farmers an outlet for their produce and are a fantastic testing ground for budding entrepreneurs. "The winners of Markets of the Year 2010 Awards are fantastic examples of how the best innovative markets are thriving. I'm delighted to meet the winners today and congratulate them on their triumph. The National Association of British Market Authorities awards were presented by television celebrity chef Thomasina Miers with Coventry Market winning the public online vote for Favourite Market. The other winners, chosen by an expert, panel were: Best Street/Outdoor Market: Hinckley Market, Best Indoor Market Hall: Bolton Market, Best Speciality Market: Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre, Best Private Market: Hitchin Market, Best Small Market: Ipswich Market, Best Wholesale Market: New Covent Garden Market, Best Market Attraction: Nuneaton Town Centre Street Market

NABMA Chief Executive Graham Wilson said:
"NABMA is delighted with the success of the Markets of the Year Competition. We have had a record number of entries and the additional support given to markets, as a result of the government's recent initiative, has helped to encourage more entries. We are also delighted that Rosie Winterton is with us today and is able to recognise the success of the award winning markets."