Islington shoppers are being asked to nominate their favourite market trader who goes the extra mile, sells the best bargains or has the tastiest food.

Islington’s Market Trader of the Year 2017 is open to traders directly licensed by Islington Council at one of the four main council-run markets – Camden Passage, Chapel Market, Exmouth Market and Whitecross Street – and a few other sites around the borough.

The winning trader will receive £150 off their stall rent – and the person who nominates them will win £50 to spend at the trader’s stall.

For Islington’s market traders, the award is a chance to get recognition and appreciation from the local community. Chapel market trader Jeffrey Heller won Islington Market Trader of the Year in 2008 and still hangs the award on his stall nine years later.

“It was great to win it,” he said. “It was the first time the competition had been held. To be honest there were lots of other traders worthy of the award. It was a very close contest and I was fortunate to be chosen.

“Although there was some financial gain to winning, the recognition was more important for me. I still hang the award on my stall every day after all this time.”

He added: “I’m sure all the traders will be trying to win it this time.

Jan Hart, Islington Council director of public protection, said: “Our market traders provide a great service to the community and we want them to get recognition for what they do. It’s also a great way for local people to get involved, so I encourage everyone to get nominating.”

To enter, send the name of your nominated trader and the market they trade in and say in no more than 20 words why you think they deserve to win.

You can enter by filling in the form below, or by e-mailing the details to [email protected]. You can also pick up entry forms from some market traders, just ask them about it when you next go shopping.

The competition closes on Friday 18 August 2017. The nominations will then be collated and a shortlist drawn up that will be judged by a panel and the winner announced in early September.