Hopes 'teenage market' will expand

Aiden Thompson has traded at about five editions of the market

There are hopes a market for teenage traders could expand next year after its success in a city.

Carlisle's teenage market has been taking place for up to four times a year since launching in April 2023.

Helen Tickner, who coordinates the event for Cumberland Council, said it had "captured young people's imagination and enthusiasm" and there were hopes to roll it out across the area.

Aidan Thompson, 17, who has been trading at the market, said it had helped boost his confidence.

The most recent staging of the market took place in Carlisle city centre on Saturday.

It featured 20 stalls run by traders aged between eight and 25 and Ms Tickner said there was a waiting list.

The event also featured performances

Mr Thompson, from Whitehaven, said he had traded at five of the markets so far.

"I was a bit nervous, but over the past couple of years I've definitely built my confidence and I'm fine now," he said.

"It's allowed me to meet different people and different customers from the area, which has helped my business grow."

The teenage market is part of a national initiative that was created in 2012.

Ms Tickner said there were plans to expand the Carlisle event to other parts of the county.

"We definitely want to bring this kind of market to other communities across Cumberland," she said.

"Nothing's set in stone yet, but it's something I'm working on to develop it into 2026."