by Ross Lidbetter

ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk

It is the Aladdin's Cave of Upper Norwood and to its loyal customers has always been a hidden gem.

From Sir Cliff Richard plates to Elvis Presley annuals, Haynes Lane Market has no end of weird and wonderful stuff.

But some traders feel it is too hidden, so, in a bid to attract more customers, a special late night shopping evening is being held next week.

Alison Davis, 37, who sells old children's toys at the two-floor indoor market in Haynes Lane, said: "We have people who have lived around the corner for years and didn't know we were here.

"It's a shame because the place is well worth a visit."

Clothes, jewellery and books - items you would expect from most markets - are for sale.

But it is the goods hidden in between that are perhaps the most interesting.

Trader Phil Kenny, 57, said: "People could come in here and look around for two or three hours easily.

"There's things here that are completely different from the mainstream shops.

"You can go into somewhere like Top Shop and pay £15 for what's just a bit of wire, when you can buy something better here from the 1930s for far less than that."

One of the biggest and widest collections in the market belongs to Sue Claydon - who even has a Prince Charles and Princess Diana food tray.

The 55-year-old said: "I've got toys, clothing, china, glass, watches, bags, shoes - I sell everything bar the kitchen sink.

"I probably spend more time finding the stuff than selling it but then that's part of the fun.

"I go to boot fairs and auctions and there are people who know what I'm looking for and I buy it off them."

The market, with 15 traders, has been running for around 10 years and is just off the Upper Norwood Triangle.

It is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm.

Its late night shopping event, to raise awareness of its existence, takes place on Friday (March 19) from 5pm to 8.30pm.