OXFORD’S Christmas Market is to return better than ever this year.

It will run in Broad Street for 16 days from December 7 until December 22, whereas last year’s only ran for 11 days.

The popular market, run by Nicole Rahimi, is backed by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

Festive, decorated stalls selling food, drink and gifts line half the street and entry is free.

The market will be open from Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm and from Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 6.30pm.

With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine in the air, many shoppers find the attraction a refreshing addition to the chain stores on the high street.

Traders are expected to include Crazy Crepes selling Belgian waffles, Colombia Coffee Roasters and The Fairy Light Company.

Applications for the 60 stalls year are already fully booked, with many new businesses signing up.

The market is in its ninth year and promises carol singing and an array of unusual gifts.

Mary Clarkson, the city council's executive board member for the city centre, said: "I am very pleased Oxford Christmas Market is going to be here for longer than ever in 2018.

Market owner Ms Rahimi added: "Visitors and stallholders have always been keen that the market matches the duration of some of the larger Christmas markets in the UK."