A NATIONWIDE initiative centred around the creativity of young people is set to hit West Devon as part of a campaign to help the high streets and breathe life back into town centres.

Young traders and performers will be given a chance to showcase their creative products and talents for free when the Teenage Market comes to Tavistock in May, supported by West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council.

The Teenage Market is a fast-growing, nationwide initiative, set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport, which is designed to transform town and city centres with the creativity of young people. It aims to support the next generation of market traders and bring an influx of energy, vibrancy and diversity to towns across the UK.

The Teenage Market is now running in more than 30 locations across the UK and supporters include businessman Theo Paphitis, designer Wayne Hemingway and retail guru Mary Portas, who described the initiative as being ‘innovative and inspiring’.

A spokesperson for Teenage Markets said: ‘It’s all about supporting the next generation of market traders. Our events are the perfect opportunity for markets to connect with their town’s population of young people, by providing a platform for them to be entrepreneurial, trial new business ideas and sell creative products.

‘The positive benefits that towns and cities have experienced as a result of running the events have been incredibly positive and far-reaching. They include a rise in footfall, an increase in spend in the local area and a rise in new people coming to visit their local market.

‘With over 70 per cent of market traders now over the age of 50, it’s more important than ever to identify younger traders for the future prosperity of the markets industry.’

A proposal to add Tavistock as the first town in West Devon to the Teenage Market scheme was agreed by West Devon Borough Council in January.

Commissioning manager for West Devon Borough Council Nadine Trout said: ‘We’re really excited to be part of this national programme which has seen town centres involved in this project really flourish. We are keen to make this happen quickly and are encouraged by the enthusiasm expressed by our local young people. You don’t have to live in Tavistock to be part of this wonderful opportunity — we welcome young people from throughout the borough to apply.’

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Mandy Ewings said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to engage entrepreneurial and creative teenagers who are studying art, music, performance, tech-nology or business studies to use these lessons in a real commercial environ-ment.

‘By holding a Teenage Market we will be encouraging the local economy and providing an audience for young people’s talents.’

West Devon Borough Council is also working alongside Tavistock College to promote the initiative.

Phil Ruse, assistant principal of Tavistock College, said: ‘Tavistock College is delighted to be working alongside West Devon Borough Council to promote and run the first Teenage Market in Tavistock. The concept is designed to put young people at the forefront of an enterprise and performance based event within the backdrop of a traditional market town.

‘Tavistock College students are looking forward to being involved in the promotion and marketing of the event, while also being part of a showcase for our young co-operative groups and local entrepreneurs.’

Young entrepreneurs, traders and performers are being encouraged to get involved in the Teenage Market, taking place in Bedford Square, Tavistock on May 20. Applications to be involved need to be completed by Sunday, April 30. Interested people can create a trader or performer profile on the Teenager Market website at www.theteenagemarket.co.uk

After applying to take part, the organisers will be in touch to let you know whether you have been allocated a free stall or performance slot.

You can like The Teenage Market on Facebook or follow its Twitter @teenage_market