A HARTLEPOOL art and design graduate has had her colourful costumes showcased as part of the Christmas Lights switch-on in Newcastle.

Lauren Deal, 22, from Hartlepool, graduated with a first class degree from her home town's Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD), and set up her own costume business in 2014.

She invited costume degree students Shannon Garland and Fran Stockell to gain valuable industry experience to help make four outfits based on the characters Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay from the Disney musical fantasy film Descendants.

The costumes were created for popular party planner, Ginger Parties, who contacted her company, The Northern Costumiers, with the order. The outfits were then featured as part of the Christmas festivities at Eldon Square.

Ms Deal said: “It has been great fun to work with Shannon and Fran. I hope that they enjoyed their experience and seeing the costumes all complete and on show. It was nice to be able to give something back to the college, as I really enjoyed my time at CCAD, especially the close working atmosphere and the excellent range of facilities. The business is going really well and it was fantastic to be part of the festive event working for Ginger Parties.”

Fran Stockell, 45, from Eston in Middlesbrough is currently on the second year of her degree in Costume Interpretation with Design, which she is studying at CCAD’s university-level campus in Hartlepool. Shannon Garland, 20, from Brotton near Saltburn is also on the course.