PEMBROKESHIRE'S mature artisans can sell their products free of charge and keep all the profits they make through a new scheme to boost economic activity in the county.

Prime Cymru is offering people aged 50-plus who make crafts items and other products the chance to showcase their wares on an artisan's market stand in Haverfordwest starting from November 13 and then every other week leading up to Christmas.

The artisans' market stand is being run by Prime Cymru's Rural Challenge Project Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire Helen Bussell.

She said: "We want to offer mature people who make things a chance to turn their talents into cash by letting them showcase their products to the public for free."

Prime Cymru, one of The Prince of Wales' charities, has helped Welsh people aged 50 and over launch more than 1,400 businesses and aided the creation of more than 2,000 jobs.

Ms. Bussell added: "Many of our clients have turned their artisan talents into very successful businesses by offering the things they make for sale to the public. Just a few of the examples include hand painted silk clothing, specialist yarns, rare plants and flowers, all kinds of art, crochet, weaved products, wood work and even knitted dog coats and greeting cards."

The artisan's project has been set up to offer people a cost-free period when they can sell products and the test their popularity without having to face the barrier of funding market stall fees and insurance cover.

The project has already been run successfully in South Powys, but it is the first time the idea has taken place in Pembrokeshire where over 60 per cent of residents aged 50 plus are economically inactive.

Anyone aged 50 and over who would like to take part in the project and showcase their products on the market should contact Helen Bussell on 0770 1068045 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]