CHRISTMAS could come early for new retailers who are being offered shops rent free in a prime town centre location.

The former Burton's store in Stockton High Street - revived as the Enterprise Arcade - will become a base for five entrepreneurs who can test trade for six months to see whether they have a flair for business.

The arcade is aimed to help rejuvenate the heart of the town, and three of the five firms who recently finished a starter spell there have decided to go it alone.

Hobbies R Uz, a family business selling remote controlled models and crafts, and Embellish, which sells jewellery and hair accessories, are now trading in the Shambles, while Chocs Away, which offers handmade confectionery, has opened in Silver Street.

Tracy Hart, of Chocs Away, said: "Being in the Enterprise Arcade was a fantastic experience for me and really prepared me for opening up my own shop.

"I have learned so much in the past six months and I am now really focused on the important things in making my business work."

Stockton was named recently as one of the worst towns in the country for its high volume of empty shops, according to a report.

Information from the The Local Data Company revealed the town, and Hartlepool, had 27 per cent of vacant premises in their town centres.

Earlier this year, Stockton Borough Council unveiled a £20m five-year masterplan to improve the town and, hopefully, attract new businesses.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said the scheme gave fledgling firms the opportunity to jump-start their retailing dream with relatively low risk.

"It not only offers six months' shop space but a full support package is also included. They will just need to buy their own stock and take out their own insurance, " he added.

Entries are also being taken until Tuesday for Stockton's first business awards. The categories include best national chain, independent retailer, newcomer, eatery and market trader.

To apply for a place at the Stockton Enterprise Arcade, or to find out more about it, call Mike Bowron at the council on 01642-526028 or email mike.bowron@stockton.gov.uk Entry forms for the Stockton Business Awards are available from libraries across the borough and can be downloaded at stockton.gov.uk/businessawards