A TEENAGER is hoping to take the world of fashion by storm after impressing judges in a prestigious national competition with her own designer handbag.

Northallerton College student Ruth Chapman’s creation saw her selected for the national final of the annual Clothes Show Live, staged in Birmingham.

The 16-year-old was one of ten finalists in the contest which attracts thousands of entries including much older students studying at university and specialised fashion colleges.

Her dual-use design featured a hexagonal faux-suede shoulder bag for daytime with amber stones on the reverse to complement evening wear.

Inspired by British designer Lulu Guinness, the A-level textiles student was delighted to make the final from so many entries - and eventually hopes to become a professional designer of evening wear for A-list celebrities.

“I was really nervous in case I won and had to go on stage but it was an amazing experience watching the catwalk show and being among so many creative people,” said Ruth, of Northallerton.

“I love everything creative, including art and photography and my favourite designer is Chanel which is classic and timeless.”

Northallerton College’s head of textiles Linda Breckon said: “For such a small college we always do really well at Clothes Show Live and Ruth is the latest of a number of our students to reach the final.

“Her bag was creative, original and functional and the party of 100 students we took down to Birmingham were thrilled that Ruth did so well.”