A BUSINESS idea supported by a Dragon's Den star is coming to Carlisle city centre.

Supported by the High Street Taskforce, the 'Teenage Market' will be held in Carlisle for the first time on Saturday, April 22.

The Teenage Market is a fast-growing nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport.

It's aim is to 'transform our town and city centres with the creativity of young people'.

Supporters of The Teenage Market include businessman Theo Paphitis, designer Wayne Hemingway and retail guru Mary Portas, who described the initiative as being 'innovative and inspiring'.

Co-creator of the Teenage Market, 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 our town centres.

"We are delighted that Carlisle 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.”

If you are aged between 8 and 25 years old getting involved couldn’t be simpler.

Simply create your trader or performer profile on the Teenage Market website and then apply to take part in the Carlisle Teenage Market. 

After you’ve applied to take part, the organisers will be in touch to let you know if you have been allocated a free stall or performance slot.

Councillor Cyril Weber, chair of Carlisle Local Committee (Cumbria County Council) said: “The County Council is delighted to be organising this event in partnership with Carlisle City Council to give a free platform in the city centre to aspiring young entrepreneurs and performers to showcase their creative talents.

“We hope local young people will seize the opportunity to be part of the first Teenage Market in Carlisle, by selling things they have made within a market setting, or make their performance debut in the centre of Carlisle."