AN animator from south Durham has scooped first prize of an international competition for her film about animal fur fashion.

Mair Perkins, who grew up in Crook, County Durham, made the one-minute animation urging shoppers to be more aware.

She saw off competition from seven thousand others across the globe to win the inaugural Design Against Fur award and accompanying $1,000 prize.

The 21-year-old vegetarian, who volunteers for the RSCPA, was encouraged to enter by her tutor at Derby University where she is studying animation.

“It’s not a typical animal fur campaign showing lots of images of animals all bloodied up,” she said. “People just need to be more aware when they’re out shopping.

“In China fur is really cheap, often cheaper than fake fur and it’s not always properly labelled.”

Miss Perkins attributes her success to the support she got at Wolsingham School and Community College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, where she completed an Art and Design Foundation Degree.

She added: “I am trying to use my artwork to help charities wherever I can.

“The schools I went to in the North were always really helpful. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.”

To see Miss Perkin’s winning animation visit: http://infurmation.com/daf/2008/win_animation/mairperkins/index.html