Birmingham's Christmas market returns

The market attracts more than four million visitors, according to the city council

A Christmas market that attracts more than four million visitors has returned to Birmingham.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market and adjoining craft market is said by the city council to be the biggest authentic German market in the world, outside Germany and Austria.

The 13-year-old market boasts 190 stalls and runs between the Bullring and Centenary Square until 22 December.

Birmingham's lord mayor Mike Leddy said the event was "fantastic".

Council deputy leader Ian Ward said it was "a benefit to all of the retail offer in the city centre".

He added: "It brings in so many visitors from both the wider regional area, and indeed the whole country, that it's a boost to all the shops, restaurants and hotels in the city."

Mr Ward said the market had "just gone from success to success".

He said: "Each and every year it gets bigger and attracts even more visitors and we're expecting over four million visitors into the city."