A market stall is a great way for young people to learn about running a business.

That’s the key message at the start of Love Your Local Market fortnight which runs until May 29.

Markets have been a fixture of Kentish and British life for centuries but in recent years they have faced challenges from supermarkets and out of town shopping centres.

But there are signs of a revival. Farmers’ markets have encouraged customers to try out local produce, and in tough economic times, more people are looking for bargains they can often find in markets.

And with unemployment among young people hovering around the million mark, experts are urging many to consider setting up a market stall as a great way of gaining business experience, testing out their product, and developing valuable communication skills.

Medway, for example, has two general markets in Strood and Gillingham, both held twice a week.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway council’s portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth, urged local people to visit their market.

She said they were one of the best social areas for a visit. “It’s amazing how many people you meet and there’s a lot of banter goes on. It’s much more hands-on. Local markets - you’ve got to love them.”

Customers could get close to the products and meet the stallholders.

"We'd love to see more young people coming in. They would love to test their skills in the market."

She added: “We’re looking to invest in the infrastructure of the market in terms of convenience for stallholders and those who use it.”

Annette Lebreton, markets manager in Medway, said she was interested in small businesses coming to the market. It was a great and relatively low-cost opportunity to st up a stall.

“It’s really important that markets come back to life, it’s the hub of the community and for markets to be established in our town centre.”

Market trader Paula set up a market stall after being made redundant. “It’s been good, I’ve really enjoyed it. People still tend to want to come to the market. Markets are going to be the way forward.”

• Strood Market is held every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am - 3pm behind the High Street Commercial Road car park. Gillingham Market is held on Monday and Saturday, from 9am to 4.30pm along Gillingham High Street.