Kingston's Ancient Market Place officially reopened today after a £3m revamp.

The troubles of the past year - which has seen the scheme run over time and over budget - seemed to be forgotten as the historic site was packed with shoppers, stalls and market traders.

In glorious summer sunshine, London deputy mayor Kit Malthouse officially opened the market, having earlier praised the development during his keynote speech at the Kingston Futures conference, taking place at the Rose Theatre.

Kingstonfirst chief executive Ros Morgan said: "It's been blood sweat and tears but today has demonstrated what we had in mind all along.

"Today's a celebration of all the good things Kingston has to offer.

"Markets are making a comeback, because they offer that authentic experience.

"Markets complement retailers, but market traders are businesses in their own right and we want to make sure our traders have the very best platform to succeed."

Kingston councillor Chrissie Hitchcock said: "It's been something I've wanted to see for 20 years.

"We've now got a wow factor market.

"We had all that pain, but this is the gain."

It's finally open. What do you think? Let us know at letters@surreycomet.co.uk