Young people can promote their skills and talents at a new form of market coming to Romsey.

The town’s first Teenage Market will be held at to the Crosfield Hall on Sunday, November 23 and the theme will be Christmas.

The Teenage Market is a growing nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport as a way to support young people and transform town centres.

Retail guru Mary Portas described the concept as “innovative and inspiring”.

Joe Barratt, said: “The Teenage Market really is the key to identifying a new generation of market traders by making young people an active part of town centres.”

“We are delighted that Romsey is giving young people a free platform to get their businesses off the ground and showcase their creative talents.”

He added, “I’d encourage any creative young person to get involved with The Teenage Market as there are so many positive opportunities that can come out of it.”

Romsey Teenage Market is run by the town council with funding of £5,000 from the Test Valley Borough Council, Romsey Futures Project.

Mark Edgerley, Romsey Town Centre Manager, said it was hoped to run four teenage markets a year.

“Next year we will move to the outdoor space in the Cornmarket and for those young people that wish to have a stall on a weekly basis we will facilitate a space at the regular Romsey Markets.

“In a very small way we want to open up self-employment opportunities for youth in Romsey.” The nearest junior market is at Salisbury where as well as stalls selling cakes and craft items young bands perform.

Mr Edgerley said the Romsey market would also be a platform for youth organisations to promote themselves.

To apply to be a trader or performer visit the teenage market.co.uk You can ‘Like’ The Teenage Market on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @teenage_market For further information contact Mark Edgerley on 07850 449484 or e-mail him at tcm@romseytc.org.uk