Ashby traders are setting up a virtual Christmas Market with coronavirus restrictions still looking like they will still be in place over the festive season.

The Ashby Town Centre Committee have taken the decision to go online this year with a national lockdown in place until at December 2.

After that, the picture is unclear in the run up to Christmas.

And organisers have invited businesses to come forward and get involved in virtual shopping.

Traders have been told that if they want to take part, on December 5 and 6, they must do the following:

• Message one of the admins on the Ashby's Virtual Market Facebook page

• You must either have a shop or business in Ashby, run a small business from home in Ashby or be part of the Food Gusto at Christmas previously.

• You will be given a Stand Number. Add that to the start of all posts. This helps people identify you. For example STAND 1: then your message.

• On the weekend of 5th and 6th December you will be given a timed slot which will be your time to post for 20-30 minutes depending on number of Traders. Make the most of this time, post your products and answer questions, take orders during this time. We will notify you of your time slot closer to the time.

• You are free to post running up to and after the event.

• This is free for buyers and traders. It is operated voluntarily by members of the Ashby Town Centre Committee.