A STUDENT is celebrating a double win after an innovative app caught the imagination of judges.

Darlington College IT student Olivia Reynolds won her category and the overall award with the idea for Socialmoda, an app for anyone who struggles to socialise and cannot access traditional help such as Children and Adolescents Mental Health or Talking Changes therapy services. “I was shaking so much I almost dropped the award,” said the 17-year-old, of Downholme, near Richmond.

“More than 65 per cent of the people voted for me to win the overall award, which is lovely. All my family are really proud of me and this has really helped my self-confidence and self-esteem.”

Olivia received two Federation of Small Businesses Student Award trophies and two certificates at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland.

A Level 3 system support and networking student, she will now develop the app further with the help of tutors at Darlington College.

Socialmoda will give people instant access to a range of virtual help, advice and support complete with voice synthesis and interactive mood board. She developed her interest in IT while studying media at Richmond School.