The company that runs London markets such as Old Spitalfields and Shepherds Bush has been appointed to operate the new-look Watford Market.

Town & Country Markets has won the contract from Watford Borough Council for the market, which is set to move to a new location in High Street.

The company already operates 16 markets across the country.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, said: "It is important to me that they demonstrated good experience in managing other markets, so I have every confidence that they will do a great job in Watford.

"We are now another step closer in delivering a key attraction in the town centre for shoppers, alongside The Parade improvements already underway."

Watford Market is set to move from its current location in Charter Place, which is due to be redeveloped, to the car park of TJ Hughes.

Under current plans the stalls will be housed in old shipping containers in a similar style to Boxpark Market in Shoreditch.

Following the announcement, Grant Adams, chairman of the Market Trader Association at Watford Market, said: "I believe Town & Country Markets are a great fit. We are looking forward to working with them during the transitional period and thereafter."

Ray Gall, of Town & Country Markets, added: "We are delighted to be working alongside Watford Borough Council in developing the new market site.

"Watford Market traders can be assured of our total commitment to the success of this exciting project, and we look forward to working closely with them in the coming months and years."

A planning application is due to be submitted for the new market at the beginning of next month.

In the meantime Watford Market will continue trading within Charter Place until next summer.