Candid view of a pie counter in Preston's Indoor Market

Preston has been entered into a national competition to be crowned the best market in Britain, and here’s why we at Blog Preston think it should win.

Blog Preston want to see Preston celebrated as the best city in Britain, and for Preston Market to win this national vote it will show how important local and fresh produce is to the city.

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While the convenience and relative ‘cheapness’ of supermarkets throughout the city and the surrounding area might seem the easy option, we need to look beyond.

I remember when trying to keep my finances in check during the summer of 2008, my girlfriend and I turned to Preston Market to help us through a difficult financial time.

What we found was a great range of fresh food at unbeatable prices. A Saturday morning ritual became our trip to the Bus Station car park, along the subways and walkways, into the Indoor Market to seek out a bargain.

Fresh fruit and veg was dirt cheap, but top notch (and with eight guinea pigs to feed, not having to rely on supermarket fodder was a god-send). Meat in all shapes and sizes could be bought, and as we muscled in amongst the old dears queining for their pork chops you didn’t feel like you’re just in another nameless, faceless, supermarket.

Traders got to know your name, your usual habits, and they weren’t on the revolving door recruitment style of some of the major supermarket chains. While there’s no denying the importance of supermarkets in providing cheap food and goods to the masses, buying from your local market does make a difference (and not just to how tasty your dinners become!).

By casting your vote you can show your commitment to local farmers, food producers and retailers in the region. For those without cars to whizz to Asda or on limited budgets the Indoor and Covered Market are a lifeline.

We should be proud of the diverse range of products available in our market, the people who pitch up everyday to sell their wares and the community spirit the markets give to the city.

Do your bit, and join us to help Preston become the nation’s top market. Make Preston proud and cast your vote here.

Image credit to Tony Worrall

Do you shop at the markets? Do you work in the markets? What stories do you have about Preston Markets? Let us know in the comments below