A TEXTILE designer who is hoping to set up her own company is holding her first exhibition this weekend.

Donna Thirkettle, a qualified designer, from Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, will display her textile work at the exhibition, at Barnard Castle Methodist Church, on Saturday, from 9am to 5.30pm.

It will feature millinery, bridal wear and Ascot-style fashions.

Ms Thirkettle qualified in design from the Cumbria Institute of the Arts in Carlisle.

She said: "This will be my first exhibition and I'm hoping it will expose some of my work.

"I'm hoping to set up my own online business in the future and have been speaking to the Teesdale Enterprise Agency about getting it set up.

"I've already had a few orders through word of mouth.

"My designs are very contemporary and fresh, but I will also go along with whatever people ask me to make them."