A 19-YEAR-OLD who runs Warrington Market's fruit and veg stall has been nominated as Young Trader of the Year at this year's National Youth Market event.

Robert Leicester, from Latchford, is now the town centre's only greengrocer and runs the business on his own after taking it over from his dad.

Despite only managing the stall for six weeks, Robert has already managed to set up a partnership with Warrington Wolves and has become the official fruit and veg supplier for the Wire.

The former Sir Thomas Boteler CofE High School student always had plans to join the Army but admits the market atmosphere had a greater pull.

Robert said: "I see the same customers every day so I've become really good friends with them, I really do love it here."

Starting his six-day weeks as early as 3.30am, Robert does not shy away from hard work and even has a stall at the maker's market every month on a Sunday.

He added: "I wanted to join the Army since I was 14, I got all my qualifications for it at college but when I realised Rigby's shop was closing, I knew it was a great opportunity to take over on my dad's fruit and veg stall."

Robert's dad and cousin, both called Andrew, run Andrew's Fish, Game and Poultry opposite Robert's fruit and veg service.

Warrington Market's head trader, Gary Jaques, nominated Robert for the title in recognition of his hard work and dedication.

The national finalists are selected at the end of July with market traders from all over the country competing for the title.

The finalists then have to take part in a two-day trade from a central location in Stratford-upon-Avon, while being judged by a panel to be crowned Young Trader of the Year 2018.

Gary said: "The National Market Traders' Federation is all about encouraging youngsters into the retail trade through markets which has low rental costs and to keep the life of the market going.

"As I'm part of the federation, I'm nominating Robert this year to represent the whole of Warrington Market.

"A lot of the youngsters now are selling things that they make, there's a lot of arts and crafts, so I think Robert has a good chance in the finals as he is going back to more of a traditional role of selling fruit and veg."