BUDDING businessman Ben Hodson is one of four traders told: “You’re Hired!”

The 21-year-old will now get £1,000 from Bournemouth council to help set up a shop.

The scheme is supposed bring long-neglected shops back into life around Pokesdown station.

If the four winners are still going after six months, they get another £1,000.

Ben and the other winners had to submit business plans then last week passed a Dragons Den-style interview.

His shop, Red Tail Studios, will sell art material and clothes printed with unique designs by local artists.

Ben, from Southbourne, told the Daily Echo: “It’s a service you can’t really get on your own.

“The area is definitely developing and I want to take part in the events.”

The council wanted traders who fit the area’s growing reputation for independent arts, crafts and vintage shops.

Another winner was Cotton Candy Design, co-founded by Cara Lloyd-Hopkins, 39, from Charminster.

The shop will sell handmade and ‘up-cycled’ products like furniture, handbags and cushions.

David Mitchell, also known as Dame Kitty from cabaret restaurant Rubyz, is opening an upmarket charity shop for Kitty’s Wish Foundation.

He said: “Our investment will include a complete re-fit of the shop which will greatly improve the look of the street.”

Last year’s version of the scheme led to the creation of two shops that are still trading, Kaotic Handbag and What Alice Found.

Sally Turner, Boscombe’s regeneration officer and one of the interview judges, said: “This project is about the long term.”

She said traders must attend a “scary” business workshop to check their preparation and they are supported after the October opening deadline.