IPSWICH market was facing the end of an era today as stallholders set up for business on the Civic Centre car park for the last time.On Friday the market moves to the Cornhill, bringing it right back into the centre of the town.

IPSWICH market was facing the end of an era today as stallholders set up for business on the Civic Centre car park for the last time.

On Friday the market moves to the Cornhill, bringing it right back into the centre of the town.

But there were no tears as trading got underway at its home for the last 18 years.

"It will be wonderful leaving this place for the last time," said market traders' chairman Mike Young.

"We've been here for 18 miserable years, we can't wait to put it behind us and bring the market home into the centre of Ipswich," he added.

Most of the traders are eagerly looking forward to the move – although many will have to have smaller stalls on their new site.

They've got new covers to improve the look of the stalls – it should be eye-catching with red, blue, and green vying for the attention from shoppers.

The market traders were being blessed today by the vicar of the St Mary Elms Church, Rev Hayler Dosser, before they left their current home.

They will start trading on the Cornhill – "Or as we call it, the Market Square," Mr Young said – early on Friday morning.

The new market will be formally opened and blessed at 11am on Friday by Ipswich Mayor Richard Risebrow and Rev Peter Townley from St Mary le Tower church.