Swansea Market trader, Leeanne Martin, who works at the DELeeanne Martin Richards & Sons deli stall, was nominated for the Love Your Local Market accolade by a fellow trader.

A photo of Leeanne with her son, McKenzie, was submitted to support the application. The photo helped muster 750 votes for Leanne that included results from a Facebook poll.

Other categories of the photo and video competition included loveliest market, youngest trader and longest-serving trader. Over 4,000 votes were cast for more than 400 entries from across the UK. Leeanne was also named overall competition winner.

Mick Barker, President of NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities), travelled to Swansea on Wednesday July 15 to present Leanne with a prize.

Swansea Council runs Swansea Market.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said:
“Leeanne’s competition win is yet another feather in Swansea Market’s cap. The market already has an outstanding reputation for hugely welcoming traders, but this accolade will help further raise the attraction’s profile as a friendly and vibrant place to visit.”“The contribution Leeanne and other market traders make to our city centre can’t be overstated. Exciting city centre regeneration plans have recently been announced, but it’s important Swansea Market remains at its beating heart. The market makes a huge contribution to Swansea’s reputation for individuality. It helps Swansea city centre stand out from the crowd, which is why a roof refurbishment project is on-going there to preserve the attraction for the enjoyment of millions more people in years to come.”

Other recent Swansea Market success stories include receiving a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor – the world’s biggest travel website. The Thai Taste stall in Swansea Market is also ranked number one on TripAdvisor of 485 restaurants to have been reviewed across the city.