Pauline King, 46, is organising the market with a team of volunteers.

She said: "I'm extremely passionate about people who strive to transform their dreams into realities and this is what I'm hoping the market will do.

"I don't think you can be too young to start working to achieve your goals – if you are enthusiastic and have a level of belief in what you're selling you should go for it.

"The market is for people who are producing things that are viable and valuable to the community – stallholders will need to have self-worth and a strong belief in what they have to offer."

Pauline, who lives in Violet Lane, Waddon, will be running the market on the first and last Saturday of every month at the Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) centre in London Road, West Croydon. It will run from noon to 4pm.

Successful business bosses will also be on hand to offer advice on how to crack the market.

Pauline said: "This will be a place to test out new things and the idea is that you will be linked with others who are well established and can help push your products in the right direction.

"Some people need funding and some just need the know-how and expert advice which will be on hand here."

An exhibition on the market will be held at the CVA centre on March 27.

Anyone is welcome to come along, talk about their products and get a feel for what the market will be like when it is up and running in May.

Liz Sheppard-Jones, customer advisor at Croydon Visitor Centre in George Street, Croydon, said: "The market is going to be something really positive for the borough.

"We want to push that Croydon is becoming a more interesting and alternative place to shop right now. Stuff, which replaced Beanos (in Middle Street, Croydon, in January), sells some really lovely things and we think when Crocus opens they will compliment each other."

Stalls at Crocus start from £15. Call Pauline on 07931 247341 or e-mail her at pkpromo91@hotmail.com