A STALLHOLDER has returned to Blackburn Market.

There are few traders who can boast such a strong market heritage as Sally Halliday of Sam Seafood.

Sally’s grandparents, Harry and Alice Bolton sold shellfish on the original outside market in Blackburn during the 1950s.

Her father, Les Halliday, worked for Harry in his crab production factory in Southport and married Sally’s mum Margo and they took over the stall.

In 1965, the family moved from the outdoor market to the newthree-day indoor market and Sally remembers helping on the stall from the age of four.

She said: “I remember a little silver scoop that we used for the winkles which we sold for sixpence a bag.”

Around 15 years ago Sally developed her popular ready to cook fish pies and battered fish products.

Sally didn’t feel able to commit to the new six-day Blackburn Market when it first opened, but with support around her she’s now built up customers on Darwen’s three-day market and in Blackburn where she’s usually on the stall herself on Wednesdays and Saturdays and alternate Fridays. She added: “It’s been absolutely brilliant coming back and seeing all the old customers again. Everyone has been so welcoming. I just wish my dad was well enough to come down to the market and meet everyone again.

“He’d be delighted with the reception and the support we’ve been getting.”