YOUNG entrepreneurs battled the elements to take part in Bolton’s first ever teenage market.

Teenage traders took to Victoria Square to sell everything from dog biscuits to bath bombs and were joined by young musicians and performers throughout the day.

The idea is the brainchild of brothers Tom and Joe Barratt and was launched in their hometown of Stockport.

The scheme gives young people an opportunity to sell to the public and get a flavour of what life as a market trader could be like.

Bolton Council has bought into the idea and through its market team helped to launch the event which took place throughout the day on Saturday.

Undeterred by heavy downpours and strong winds, a host of young business minds set up shop on the square to sell their wares.

Among them was sisters Deena and Tamara Kaye, aged 13 and 12, from Radcliffe who — along with mum Michelle — have launched the Bathalicious skin care and body products company.

Mrs Kaye said: “We heard about the teenage market and thought it was a really good initiative.

“We have just started out as a company and this is a great way to show what we have.

“But its also a good way of giving young people like Deena and Tamara experience of trading and teaching them things like the value of money.”

Tom Barratt, who has helped to launch teenage markets in Leeds, Sheffield as well as in the South West, said he was really pleased with Bolton’s first effort.

He said: “This is what we wanted, lots of people have come out and there is a really good atmosphere.

“As much as this is about giving young people experience of market trading, it also helps to give them a platform in their own town and make them proud of their town and that is happening here in Bolton — they are benefitting and Bolton is benefitting.”

Overseeing the day was the team from Bolton Market, including manager Peter Entwistle, he said: “Today has been absolutely fantastic and the turnout has been fantastic — especially considering at one point we thought we were going to get blown away.

“The initiative the guys have come up with is brilliant and we fully support getting young entrepreneurs into business.

“It is also a good way of getting the name of Bolton Market around and our traders have supported the event today by donating some of their produce.”

Out to try and catch a bargain, new Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Lynda Byrne was equally impressed with the event.

She said: “It is a great idea and to see these young people — some of whom are still at school — going into business is fantastic.

“I am very impressed, I actually spotted a handbag that I might have another look at.”

For more information about The Teenage Market, visit theteenagemarket.co.uk