A new mum is hoping to battle the problem of ever-increasing childcare costs.

Carla Kelly, 32, decided to set up the mum2mum market in Borehamwood after giving birth to eight-month-old Austin.

The first market will be at Maxwell Park Community Centre on Saturday (July 2).

It is part of the larger mum2mum franchise, which runs baby and children’s nearly new sales where parents sell to other parents for less than the high street price.

Mrs Kelly said: “I have been to mum2mum markets in the past and I love the concept.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea to give parents the opportunity to buy great quality second-hand goods or make some cash from their outgrown children’s stuff.”

The mum2mum markets were started in 2011 by mum-of-two Cath Harrop.

Having bought and sold on eBay and at car boot sales, she realised there was a gap in the market for an event where parents could sell to each other face to face.

She pitched her idea on Dragons Den and has seen the business grow considerably, and now has a network of mums running their own markets across the UK, including Mrs Kelly.

Large items like designer prams and large toys tend to sell for about a third of the retail price, while clothes start from around 50p.

All goods for sale must be in excellent condition and sellers keep 100 per cent of their proceeds on the day.

Novice sellers are coached prior to the event with sellers’ tips and pricing guides to maximise their sales on the day.

Admission on Saturday is £2 on the door, while it is free for children.

Entry is also free for everyone during the last half hour of the sale.