Dudley Council launched the market last month as part of its shop local campaign, ahead of national Small Business Saturday on December 5.

With many shops being shut over the last four weeks, it gave an alternative option for local people to support small and independent businesses.

More than 35 businesses have been trading via the market, showcasing a selection of their products, unique gifts, offers and experiences known as “rewards”.

By visiting the virtual market from the comfort of their own home, residents have been able to shop local and support their independent retailers and businesses, knowing 100% of the profits will go to the business.

Some businesses will continue to sell their products via the market right up until Christmas including Brierley Hill based theatre company Funtime Theatre. They’re selling tickets to their virtual pantomime, Aladdin, which takes place from December 21 to 31. Tickets are £5 per household.

There’s also still time to purchase tickets via the market for ‘The Great British Bauble Takeaway’ by Allister Malcolm Glass Ltd. The drive-through event allows people to decorate a glass bauble in their cars before handing it over to Allister for sand blasting. A great way to create a festive keepsake in a safe and controlled way.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"We want to champion small and independent businesses all year round but Small Business Saturday gives us the opportunity to really celebrate and shine a light on what they bring to our local communities.

"They are the life and soul of our town centres and play a key role in supporting our local economy. We know this has been an incredibly difficult year for them and I’m pleased we’ve been able to give some of those businesses a new way of reaching an online audience over the last few weeks.

"Please continue to support businesses via the market this Christmas or if you are planning to head into our town centres now more shops can reopen, please always shop local first and importantly remember to follow all the latest guidelines."

The council has been running the market on the Crowdfunder platform, which has waived fees to businesses during the course of the market.