'Teenage market' showcases young entrepreneurs

Amber Maxfield, 17, has run her business for two years

A market made up of young people selling their homemade wares is giving those aged between eight and 25 a chance to develop their business skills.

Amber Maxfield, 17, from Carlisle, sells various crafts such as a hand-designed jewellery, coasters and mugs.

Speaking from her stall at Carlisle's Teenage Market on Saturday, she said business so far had been "really good".

It was the sixth such event since Cumberland Council launched the market in April last year.

"It's about supporting the young people in the area who want to develop their businesses," said the council's Helen Tickner.

She said the market helped give teenagers the opportunity to develop important skills like handling money, and was aimed at showing them "Carlisle's a great place for businesses" and encouraging them "stay in the area".

"It really seems to have captured the imagination of young people in the city," she said, adding that sellers from Whitehaven and Brampton had also taken part.

Ms Maxfield said she had been running the business for two years.

She said it was relatively easy to balance the business with her schoolwork.

"It's just like a hobby," she said.

She also said the market was a good way to talk to other teenage businesspeople.

There were a total of 16 stalls at the market, said Ms Maxfield, including some selling cakes and crocheted crafts.

The next market in the city is planned for November, and Ms Maxfield said she would "definitely be there".