A historic market has gone back to its roots after being donated a series of heritage signs.

Community art group Under Croydon, working with Octopus, a company dedicated to helping homeless and disadvantage people, has produced 37 signs for Surrey Street Market stalls.

Working with 15 people forced to live in sheltered accommodation, the group, run by Jeanne-Marie Eayrs and Susan Beresford, produced the signs and handed them to traders on Saturday February 4.

Mrs Beresford said: "We sent our people out to interview the traders to see what they wanted on the sign and if they wanted a traditional design or something modern. They all opted for the heritage look which is great."

Surrey Street Market has a Royal Charter dating back to 1276.

Fiona Woodcock, the market inspector, was delighted with the group’s efforts.

She said: "The tradition of having these signs had died out and the council gave us these white metal tags which were a bit lifeless I really hope the traders look after them and we have them for years to come."