IN PICTURES: Trade boost for Dudley after damaging losses caused by EDL protest

More than 70 shops and market stalls opened in Dudley today as part of drive to boost trade in the wake of damaging losses from last weekend's English Defence League protest.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds were lost by businesses and traders including taxi drivers after the town was brought to a standstill last Saturday.

But now a major campaign has resulted in shops opening and traders taking up many of the pitches on the town's historic market on a Sunday.

Shoppers browse market stalls in Dudley's High Street

Joe Hylton from Dudley enjoys the free fairground rides in Stone Square with his daughter, Lilly Hylton

A range of entertainment was being laid on by Dudley Council in Stone Street Square to create a family fun day including fairground rides to bring out the crowds.

Chain stores including River Island and New Look opened alongside other stores which do not regularly trade on the day itself.

Independent stores like the Arcade Toy Shop, Teddy Grays sweet shop and Laura Elizabeth Crafts, in Stone Street, were among the stores which opened.

The event aimed to boost trade in the town after last week's EDL demonstrations

John Langford (left) and Billy Sapkemon were entertaining shoppers on the Black Country Radio stand

Other shops, mobile food traders, beauticians, cafes and travel agents opened, and around 30 traders took pitches on the market.

Arcade Toy Shop owner Alan Caswell said: "I'm supporting it. It is good for Dudley, we should have some more events like this.

"You would always struggle to get back what was lost last Saturday in earnings but this is a good event to support and get behind."

Chris Bosworth, owner and manager of Laura Elizabeth Crafts, added: "I'm delighted that the council organised a special event to help us.

"I hope that people had a great day."

Chairman of Dudley Market Traders, Len Lenihan, added: "We have tried to persuade as many of our traders to take part on the day."

Dudley Museum and Art Gallery and the town's library were also open.

A live music stage was set up in Stone Street Square featuring national Open Mic contest finalists Brett and Marie Huckfield, who started the show at noon.

They were followed by John Langford, before Black Country Gaz and The Empty Can, who released the Black Country anthem last year, took to the stage.

Dudley Council faces a bill of around £25,000 for security staff and clean up costs after the EDL and an anti-fascism rally.

Shoppers browse the market stalls in Dudley's High Street

Leading Dudley councillor Judy Foster said: "In the spirit of our council-wide initiative Love Your Community, we have been heartened to see people coming together.

"The council offered free parking and entertainment, and the shops are responded by declaring they were open for business to make it a special shopping day in the town."