Market traders looking for their first pitch are being offered spaces during a “Love Your Local Market” fortnight in May.

Tower Hamlets Council has teamed up with market trader start-up scheme First Pitch to give first time traders the chance of a free pitch for up to five days.

Deputy mayor Ohid Ahmed said: “Tower Hamlets is famed for its street markets.

“The First Pitch scheme is a great opportunity to try your hand at market trading and hopefully the beginning of a fruitful business venture.”

Successful applicants will be given a pitch for five days between May 15 and May 29, and could get another year’s worth of trading at a discounted rate if things go well.

Traders looking to take advantage of the scheme can apply at www.nmtf.co.uk before the deadline on Friday, April 19.