FINAL preparations are underway for the relaunch of a town's Christmas market - all that is needed is an elf.

Ambitious organisers have been spending the past few weeks persuading craft makers and food stands to hold a mini Christmas Market in Manningtree.

The town's Christmas Market is usually run by Manningtree's Business Chamber, but it does not have the financial resources to run it this year.

So the stall runners of Manningtree Market have stepped in to give the community a mini Christmas market in Brook Street on Friday, November 23.

Penny Myers, of Manningtree Market, said: "People were complaining about not having a Christmas market on social media so we decided we would hold one.

"We only decided this about two weeks ago as we just felt we should do something for the community.

"There are really local people who are helping with the market on the food and craft stands.

"I think a lot of people are behind it and I hope it will go smoothly.

"We have Santa coming, but all we need now if an elf."

The Christmas Market will be held from 3pm. until 7.30pm.

The Foodie Friday market will run throughout that day with meat, cheese and cooked meats, bangers, scotch egg and chorizo, fresh fish and cake stalls.

Mulled wine and fresh juice will also be available.

From 3pm Christmas gift stalls will open and a magic show starts at 4.30pm by Illusion of Magic.

People at the Methodist church will sing carols and perform a skit, Graham Long will be singing and Adam from Adamonpiano will be playing.

There will also be facepainting, and Santa for youngsters.

Mel Winning, of Manningtree Business Chamber, said: "We know how disappointed the community have been not having our usual Christmas Market, but we hope you will support and enjoy the hard work our volunteers have put in."