A BOUTIQUE in a County Durham town has been shortlisted for the fashion world's equivalent of the Oscars.

Jayne, on Front Street, in Sedgefield, is a finalist in the local champion category of the national Drapers Independents Awards 2018.

Owner Elena Degnan was nominated by customers who praised her work in the community which has included fundraising and social events, home visits to support people with mobility issues and getting involved with festivals in the town.

Ms Degnan said: "The film industry has the Oscars and the fashion industry has the Independents Awards.

"Ten to 15 ladies sent an email to say what I've done in the community.

"I've had the shop four-and-a-half years and I realised I've done so much.

"If I support the community they support me. It's good to be recognised."

Jayne, which has been established in Sedgefield for more than six decades, is one of six finalists in the newly introduced local champion category.

The clothing shop was one of 4,200 entries across 17 categories.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on September 12.

Ms Degnan hopes to attend in order to present her achievements within the town to the nation's fashion industry bigwigs.