BUDDING entrepreneurs looking to kick start a lucrative career are being given a helping hand by Stroud District Council.

SDC is giving new traders the opportunity to set up a stall at the Shambles Market on Wednesday, July 4, for a reduced fee of £2.

The initiative aims to encourage business-minded individuals to put their big ideas to the test by giving them a platform to sell to consumers.

It is being run to celebrate National Market Day and in honour of the ‘Love Your Local Market’ campaign.

A report into the High Street by retail expert Mary Portas recently highlighted the important economic role played by local markets, which were credited with providing crucial opportunities for new start businesses.

"While markets have a vital retail role, they can provide much more to a local community," an SDC spokesman said.

"The bustle and colour of a successful market is difficult to rival."

Potential market traders will need to book their pitch in advance by calling our SDC’s market supervisor, Ken Stevens, on 07515 392958 by Tuesday, June 26.