FROM cakes and comics to dog biscuits, Bolton's first Teenage Market is showing off how much the town's youngsters have to offer.

Young entrepreneurs and performers from around Bolton have been signing up for the event which is taking place for the first time on May 21.

Organised by Bolton Council, it hopes to give young people an opportunity to showcase their business ideas as well as their musical and dramatic talents for free.

The opportunity has already proved popular with youth groups, schools and individuals getting on board.

A council spokesman said: “Registrations for our first teenage market are going really well. We’ve had lots of interest and 18 pitches have been snapped up. A number of young independent entrepreneurs have signed up and will be selling items ranging from cakes, comics, and jewellery to crafts and even homemade dog biscuits!

“There will be a mixture of entertainment from young performers singing and dancing, and the chance to have a go at sports such as archery, footballing and boxing.

“The deadline for applications is May 14 so there is still time to register and we’ll try to accommodate as many people as we can.”

Anyone aged 13 to 25 years old from around Bolton are invited to pitch up for the Teenage Market which will be in Victoria Square on Saturday, May 21, from 10am to 4pm, and staff from Bolton market will be on hand to offer help and support.

Bolton FM will be compering on the day and a mobile kitchen will be running cookery demonstrations showing young people how to make quick, easy and healthy meals.

Among the organisations taking up stalls are Bolton Lads and Girls Clubs, St Catherine’s Academy, St James’ School and Rumworth School.

Brothers Joe and Tom Barratt founded the first teenage market in Stockport.

It is now a growing nationwide initiative with more than 25 markets established around the UK.

To apply to be a trader or performer visit www.theteenagemarket.co.uk.

Organisers will be in touch with applicants to let them know if they have been allocated a stall.

For more information, follow @BoltonMarkets or the @teenage_market on Twitter or like The Teenage Market page on Facebook.