PUB landlords are looking to rival Cheltenham town centre's Christmas celebrations with a pint-sized market of their own.

The buy local festive campaign would serve up a week-long covered market in the gardens of the Exmouth Arms pub in Bath Road.

Wendy Ellyatt, founder of Cheltenham Connect, says it is hoped the market, which would be launched in the first week of December, would attract thousands of people from the area.

She said: "The plan is to put a covered market over the whole of the Exmouth Arms garden and to have a two-day arts and craft market, but if we can we would like to do a whole week and bring in produce from a 20-mile radius.

"It's the beginning of something we could run every year."

Mike Huysinga, landlord of the Exmouth Arms, said: "The town centre, rightly enough, gets a lot of attention.This will be something that draws people out to Leckhampton. It's definitely something everyone wants to be involved in.

"We're all in competition, but I think at the end of the day if we all club together it's good for everyone."

The market scheme is part of a wider campaign to promote the sale of local goods in the area.

The Bath Road Traders' Association want to promote the sale of locally sourced produce and crafts in the area throughout the festive season.

Chairman Matthew Birch, who is also the landlord of the Brown Jug, said: "This Christmas we want to encourage people to buy locally rather than going to larger retail parks. We want people to put money into the area and also realise there are a lot of locally-sourced gifts.

"We want to change people's habits, build a better relationship, offer more to residents and communities and adapt – which is vital."

Mrs Ellyatt is on the look out for local producers of arts and crafts, who would like to contribute to the market. Anyone who is interested can contact her on 01242 572 803 or by email on wendy@cheltenhamconnect.co.uk

Cheltenham Connect is an initiative launched in June, focusing on the community of South Cheltenham.