A 25-year-old market trader from Biddulph was named as one of the best in the country after taking part in the national finals of a competition at the weekend.

We reported previously how Abi Proctor made it to the regional round of the Young Traders Market competition earlier this month after winning the local round.

At first Abi thought the regional round of the competition would be the end of her journey, but at the last minute received a phone call informing her that she had been selected as a wildcard entry to take part in the national finals!

Abi, owner of Abi Through the Ears, won the first round at Newcastle-under-Lyme's historic market – known as The Stones – after impressing judges with her contemporary, well considered, well branded and popular stall selling hand-made items like headbands, hair scrunchies and tote bags.

The popular annual competition, run by the National Market Traders Federation, aims to attract new blood into the retail markets industry by encouraging 16 to 30-year-olds to use markets as a platform to start or grow their business.

Abi's story is particularly inspiring as she started her successful business when turning to sewing – using her mum's old Brother machine – as the Coronavirus pandemic hit in a bid to help keep positive and help her mental health.

Abi also sells her products at her new shop at Middleport Pottery, online and at local artisan markets. She said: "The market in Newcastle was fab – it was great to trade alongside so many great young traders. I was heartbroken when I didn't get through the regionals but then I had the best phone call from the organisers to say that I'd been invited to the final. They said they were really impressed with my stall at the Wolverhampton market; how lovely it looked and the teamwork between me and my mum."

Ahead of taking part in the national round, she said: "I can't tell you how excited I am. I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone, from the bottom of my heart, who has gone through this journey with me. I'm really looking forward to representing Newcastle-under-Lyme and I'm hoping to smash it."

After taking part Abi revealed that she had achieved a fourth place finish and enjoyed a fantastic two days of trading.

She said: "Just to get to the young traders market was a massive achievement for us as a business - we won at Newcastle, fell at the hurdle of Wolverhampton and then like a phoenix rose from the ashes to get to Stratford and what an incredible experience it has been!

"We didn't win competition wise (although we did come 4th by half a point) but we've had two fantastic days of sales and met some amazing young traders!

"I just want to say a massive thank you to my dad for coming back from his holiday to build me a new scrunchie stand, which is literally the best thing ever, and the judges loved it!

"And a massive thank you to my mum for coming to Stratford with me, standing all day and helping me sell, and even manning the fort when I went for a wander!

"I also want to say thank you to everyone for your lovely comments of support throughout the weekend. Seeing them has given me a real boost and I can't believe how many of you there are to support me - I really am surrounded by the best!"