Young traders assembled in Wells Market Place last week, for a special market dedicated to celebrating young entrepreneurs and the retail market industry.

The South West Regional Final of the Young Traders Market was hosted by Mendip Markets in Wells. It was a day of trading and empowerment for young people who've committed their careers to the industry.

Traders from across the South West attended the market and included Belle Isle Botanics, Coastline Creations Jewellery, Howling Wolf Coffee, BE Country LTD, Pandan Street Food, Bridie Maddocks Pottery, Plastic Pollution Solution, Lucy H Cobb Artist, Polly Victoria Vintage, Lucy Jane Photography, Sew Little, Nutcessity, TNC Cakes, Critchill School Catering, Xorbit, Rush Organics, The Purple Saurus and UrbanStreet2.

Some of Mendip Markets' regular traders were also in the competition, including TNC Cakes, Pandan Street Food and Polly Victoria Vintage.

The young traders that were success and made it the national finals were:

Overall winners

Pandan Street Food – Street Food

TNC Cakes – Groceries

Highly Commended

Coastline Jewellery – General Retail

Howling Wolf Coffee – Street Food

Polly Victoria Vintage – General Retail

Xorbit – New Category: Innovation

Mendip District Council would like to congratulate the above traders and wish them luck in the National Finals.

Kathryn Bland of Plastic Pollution Solution and Winner of the South West Regional Finals, said: ''Wells was an incredible experience, I only heard about the event two weeks before so it was a bit of a rush getting everything together, I didn't expect the outcome at all.

''I was so humbled by the experience and made me feel so grateful to all the customers that have supported myself and the business.

''I am really looking forward to the finals; meeting so many young traders makes me realise I am not alone and it's very nice to share the experience with all these young entrepreneurs.''

Jake and Susan from Pandan Street Food said: ''We really enjoyed competing in the young traders market.

"It was a great experience and nice to get some recognition among some excellent traders. We have been so well supported by the council and NMTF, and would encourage other young people who are passionate about their product to go for it too.

''We only started trading at markets in February so to get an award this early on gives us a huge boost. We hope to continue flying the flag for Mendip traders at all other markets and are very proud of our award.

"You can find us trading at Wells every Wednesday and Street every Thursday serving up fresh Mexican inspired food for all.''

Cllr Nick Cottle, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services and judge at South West Regional Finals, said: ''What a fantastic day of trading.

"It was great to see so many young traders in Wells. It wasn't an easy decision as the quality of the traders was excellent, but it was a privilege to be a judge.

''I would like to thank the NMTF for organising such a positive event for young people and choosing Wells to host''.

Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF said: "We had a terrific day in the market place at Wells last Thursday for the NMTF's South West Young Trader Market Regional Final.

"In the first instance we would like to thank Mendip District Council for their support in hosting what was the first ever Regional Young Trader Market in the South West.

''Despite the tremendous heat, on what was the hottest July day on record, there was a tremendous display of quality young traders with very bespoke products, putting their best foot forward, that did the South West proud.

''There will be 12 traders going forward to represent the South West at the National Final that will be held on 30 and 31 August in Stratford-upon-Avon, along with a similar number of traders from five other regions of England. We look forward to seeing them there and wish them well for the future in their businesses."