PLANS are being pulled together for a major event to celebrate the talents of Burnley and Pendle’s young entrepreneurs.

Later this month the first-ever Teenage Market will take place on Curzon Street and The Mall in Burnley.

Around a dozen traders have been confirmed for the gathering on Saturday, March 25, from 10am.

And they will be joined by a similar number of performers, from fresh musical acts to a fire eater, for the day-long promotion.

Marie Shaw, the borough council’s markets manager, is supporting the youth trading initiative.

She said: “It will cater for everyone from the age of 13 to 25 and we still have places available.

“Quite often market trading is associated with older people so this is a way of encouraging the next generation to take an interest.”

Those confirmed include Salutem, a Young Enterprise team from Blessed Trinity RC College, promoting a fire safety book, and Lavender Hearts, an accessories outfit run by 13-year-old Amber McCarney and friends.

Construction and craft students from Coal Clough Academy will aim to sell novelty gifts to customers and 14-year-old Shuttleworth College representative Nicole Tipping will be selling ‘shabby chic’ items as part of her ‘Crafty Cole’ venture.

Acts will range from Pendle-based pop-rock covers band The Switch UK to acoustic duo Odall, Nick Wood and Kyle Worrall, to fire-eater Daren (corr) Harper.

Fourteen-year-old Barnoldswick rockers Jack and Joey Aurora, and fellow West Craven teenager Mollie Jesson, offering acoustic covers are also tipped to appear.

The market will be the first of its kind in Burnley but there have been similar outings in Bolton, Manchester and Leeds.

A spokesman for Teenage Markets said: “We want to hear from anyone who has a great product to sell, whether it’s upcycled, crafts or hand-designed products, antiques, vintage, art, clothing and fashion, accessories, pre-packed food or sweets, just to name a few. If you’re a performer wanting to raise your profile then register with us.”

The organisers said priority will be given to traders or performers from within Burnley’s boundaries. Those wanting to take part can e-mail Andrew Dean, on adean@burnley.gov.uk.