A YOUTH entrepreneur market held in Bolton will be under inspection by a panel of high-street experts.

The panel, commissioned by national government, will be studying the Bolton Teenage Market to find out why it has been such a success and how it contributes to the revitalisation of the high street.

Bolton Council held its first teenage market in 2016 and has been holding regular events ever since. Around 25 independent entrepreneurs will be selling items ranging from jewellery to cakes, coffee and arts and crafts on Victoria Square on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Ebrahim Adia, said: “The Teenage Market has been so successful in Bolton and always attracts lots of fantastic young entrepreneurs.

“We are really pleased that Bolton has been chosen for this panel visit – it shows just how well regarded the event is and we know that our market is one of the most successful in the country. I am delighted that we are once again giving young people a free platform to showcase their business talents and creative skills.”

The panel includes personnel from The Institute of Place Management, at Manchester Metropolitan University, and will feed back directly to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The market gives young entrepreneurs, aged 13 to 25, an opportunity to showcase their business ideas.

The nationwide initiative was set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt from Stockport as a way to support local young people and transform town centres.

Professor Cathy Parker, co-ordinating the research on behalf of the panel, said: “We are coming to visit the Teenage Market especially to hear the views of younger people.

“The Teenage Market is unique as a town centre attraction that is organised, staffed, and consumed by young people.

“The stall holders, customers and performers represent a group of people that make up the next generation of entrepreneurs and shoppers.

“We want to see what they value from their market and what they would like the future high street to look like, to be more appealing to them.”

Bolton FM will compere the market and shoppers can also enjoy live music from young bands and singers.