A YOUNG trader from Barnsley has been selected to represent the town at the National Youth Market finals later this year.

Emily Roberts, 22, from Barnsbridge Grove, was picked after standing at last weekend’s Youth Market in the town centre.

A team of judges chose Emily after she came top across judging criteria which included categories like merchandising, product knowledge and quality, customer engagement, professional attitude and even social media activity during the event.

Emily runs Emi B Designs, a gift boutique which sells handcrafted fashion items as well as kits to help people take on sewing themselves. Alongside her retail, Emi also teaches sewing classes.

The judging panel included last year’s Young Trader of the Year winner Rose Dyson, 18, who runs Pura Cosmetics.

Entrepreneur Sam Davies, who runs dessert business Treat, businesswoman and market master class teacher Keeley Flint and the Chronicle’s Oliver Dyson formed the rest of the panel.

Emily will be going down to Stratford-upon-Avon on August 31 and September 1.

She said: “It is brilliant to be chosen. It is nice to be recognised for the hard work I’ve put in. I’ve been doing this side of the business, with my handmade items since 2014 but for the kits, this is the first time I’ve been to a market with this stuff.

“I’m wanting to expand on that side of it doing patterns, not just for beginners but for more experienced dressmakers too.”

Also standing at Barnsley’s youth market was Abbie Allert, who runs children’s fashion line Mamma Made It, Jordan Mangnall from bath, body and clothing business Jaded Heart and Sian Fall from Dream Party Co.

All four of the traders will be standing at the Yorkshire Regional Youth Market on August 1, Yorkshire Day, at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

They will stand alongside other young traders from Leeds, Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, York, Bradford, Wakefield and Kirklees.

Chief executive of the National Market Traders Federation Joe Harrison said: “It was fantastic to visit Barnsley Youth Market. As always the young people of Barnsley have put their best foot forward showing their terrific entrepreneurial skills. “Each and every one of them was truly fantastic and accompanied by some really great young entertainers who are probably eventually headed for stardom.“