A TALENTED young fashion designer and entrepreneur has won a national competition which comes with an incredible opportunity as a prize.

Emma Westcott, 22, from Minehead, was one of only ten young people selected to display their collections as part of the Graduate ASOS Marketplace at the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham.

A pitch at the show normally costs about £2,000 but Emma will be there for free, with mum Beverley, after wowing judges with her work.

Emma said: “I feel really lucky to have won the competition. I didn’t expect to win at all – especially as I only entered the day before the deadline, so it was a huge shock.

“I am a little bit scared but excited at the same time, so hopefully something will come of it.

“I am really pleased and now want to get more interest in the local area and show people that I am very passionate about what I do.

“All my family and friends are very excited for me and they have been very supportive.”

After graduating from Somerset College with a degree in Design (Fashion Textiles) in June, she started up her own business called Emma English, selling printed fabrics, especially scarves.

The range is inspired by the fun, beauty and tradition of the English countryside.

Lucy Withecombe, technical demonstrator at the college, said: “The Clothes Show Live is the UK’s largest fashion and beauty event and is a great opportunity for Emma to display her designs to a national audience.

“Her collection reflects her passion and talent for fashion design and is a testament to the facilities and teaching we have at Somerset College.”

The Clothes Show Live started at the NEC yesterday (December 7) until Tuesday.

To find out more about Emma’s company and see her designs, visit www.facebook.com/emmaenglish.design