Former Wiltshire College student and fashion freelancer Christina Hallett-Young is delighted to have won a national prize for her lingerie collection at the FDC Young Designers Awards.

Miss Hallett-Young, who is originally from Trowbridge and attended John of Gaunt School, was named winner in the Emerging Designer category in London on November 1.

The 23-year-old, who studied Fashion at De Montfort University in Leicester, graduated last year and has been freelancing since for several companies, including Top Tie Trading in London.

Miss Hallett-Young said she was over the moon with the Fashion, Designers and Craft Makers Young Designers Award and hopes it will help her to eventually set up her own brand.

She said: “I didn’t realise they were giving out awards. I had my graduate lingerie collection (pictured) in the show and then they asked us to come back out again with a model for the awards presentation.

“When they said I’d won the Emerging Designer category I couldn’t believe it. I just turned to my dad and gave him a thumbs up. It’s great to be recognised and it will be a big plus on my CV.

“I’ve been living near London and freelancing since graduating and just trying to get my name out there. I’ve also been doing alterations work, but to win a national award will help me in the future.

“I will keep on doing freelance work and getting experience, as well as building up a list of contacts. It’s been a massive learning curve and I have learnt so much since graduating.”

Miss Hallett-Young added: “My eventual aim is to have my own brand one day.

“It is not going to be easy, but winning the award will really help me.”