IT was all aboard the fun express for mayor of Wisbech Councillor Yvonne Lawrence when she officially opened the Mart on Saturday. Cllr Lawrence was accompanied by mayor elect Councillor Nick Meekins, other councillors and Beadle Alister Hopkins. The Mart

IT was all aboard the fun express for mayor of Wisbech Councillor Yvonne Lawrence when she officially opened the Mart on Saturday.

Cllr Lawrence was accompanied by mayor elect Councillor Nick Meekins, other councillors and Beadle Alister Hopkins.

The Mart is staged by the Showman's Guild of Great Britain supported by Fenland District Council and Wisbech Town Council. It is one of town's great traditions, dating back more than 150 years.

Since at least 1851 travelling showmen and hawkers have gathered in the town on their way between fairs at King's Lynn and Stamford. However, in a break with tradition it started on Friday evening in advance of the official opening generating more money for the Mayor's Charity Fund which will be divided between Help for Heroes and various local good causes.

The stalls and rides will be open every day in the Market Square and each evening in Chapel Road car park. The Mart continues until tomorrow (Saturday).