A SPECIAL edition of Bolton's Teenage Market was held this weekend as it welcomed a panel of high street experts.

Commissioned by the Government, the panel visited the town to study why the market has been such a huge success in the town, and how it is contributing to the revitalisation of Bolton's high street.

The market was first held in 2016, with regular events taking place ever since, offering young entrepreneurs, aged 13 to 25, an opportunity to showcase their business ideas.

It emerged from a national initiative founded by two Stockport teenagers, who devised the markets as a way to support young people and transform town centres.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor 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.”

Around 25 young, independent entrepreneurs gathered in Victoria Square on Saturday selling items from jewellery and cakes, to coffee and arts and crafts.

Visitors to the market could also enjoy live music from young bands and singers, and a compere from Bolton FM.

During the day the entrepreneurs were visited by the delegation from the The Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, as they sought to gain an insight from young people about their views on the market's achievements.

The information and opinions gathered will now be fed back to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help direct policy.

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.”