Leicester's historic cattle market opened in 1872, After 600 years, the hammer fell for the final time at Leicester Cattle Market on December 8, 1988.

The last day saw 150 cattle, 500 sheep and 20 pigs sold to slaughter.

The farmers put on a brave face but a wreath was placed on a lamp-post at the Aylestone Road site to mark a sad day in the city's market history.

The market had lost owners Leicester City Council £250,000 in the previous five years.

But a spokesman for Leicester City Council said the 13-acre site will be sold because it was not being used for the benefit of the people of Leicester.

It was February 1996 before worked started on redevelopment.

The Cattle Market site is now a retail park.