MARKET Mark is the man charged with making a success of Devizes town centre.

The self-styled market lover, real name Mark Hill, took up his new role as Devizes town centre manager on Monday just as the saga over how the Market Place should be used was reaching a conclusion.

Mr Hill, 55, who has two grown-up children and four grandchildren, is ready to take on the challenge of breathing new life into the town.

He said: "I already have loads of ideas. Some things will be a bit of a challenge but I am looking forward to it."

He said he likes to spend his free time visiting other market towns to get inspiration and has a background of working a market manager in Bristol, Glasgow and Caerphilly. He has now moved to Bath and is ready to throw himself into his new role."

He said: "I like visiting other places and seeing what ideas I can pinch. I am often known as Market Mark."

He believes The Shambles indoor market has huge potential and will be speaking to both stall holders and customers before putting a plan together.