A major investment for a Stoke-on-Trent market has been confirmed by MP Dr Allison Gardner. 

The Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South announced that the Grade II listed Victorian building would receive £800,000 in funding in a statement today. 

She said the funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council has come after her continued calls for investment as part of her plan to regenerate the town centre.  

In her letter to the Council, Dr Gardner said: "The market is too important to Longton's future prosperity to be allowed to decline in the way that other markets have done, both locally and nationally."  

Dr Gardner explained that the investment will be used to plug leaks in the market roof and improve the frontages of the shop units that open on to The Strand. 

Local councillor, Chris Robinson, whose ward includes the market, has described the market as "the lifeblood of the town". 

He said: "People love shopping here because they know and trust the traders on a face-to-face basis. They often share jokes and stories. These are friendships that start in the market and last for years. 

"Our market was here long before the internet. Online shopping can't offer the benefits of buying from someone you've known for years, looking them in the eye and knowing you've got a bargain." 

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The MP added: "Stallholders and shoppers alike can now look forward to the future, confident that they have an indoor market that ranks among the best."  

One of the market's longest serving stallholders, Mrs Jan Carrarini, whose family have traded there for 56 years, welcomed the refurbishment. 

She told the MP: "This is great news. We're grateful for all the hard work that's gone on behind the scenes. 

"It means a brighter future for the market and the town." 

 Dr Gardner confirmed that the market refurbishment is scheduled to go ahead this year.