ROYSTON Market has a new manager – and he says it has a strong future . Lance Raperport, 28, of Hitchin, was appointed by North Herts District Council as markets manager on Thursday. Mr Raperport has always had a passion for markets like his father, who

ROYSTON Market has a new manager - and he says it has a "strong future".

Lance Raperport, 28, of Hitchin, was appointed by North Herts District Council as markets manager on Thursday.

Mr Raperport has always had a passion for markets like his father, who was a market trader.

He said: "I'm looking forward to working with the traders and the district council to strengthen Royston's historic market, which has been at the heart of the community for centuries.

"It has a strong future and I'm pleased that I will be part of that," he said.

Mr Raperport, who helped his parents to run their stall and has had a career in retail, will also take over as manager of markets in Hitchin and Baldock.

Cllr Ian Knighton, portfolio holder responsible for markets, said: "It is wonderful to have someone of Lance's calibre and enthusiasm on board."

Cllr Knighton said the district council was committed to "revitalising the market".