AN embroidery fan has become the first in the country to win two national awards in a year.

Patricia Battye from Darlington, came second in the recent President's Cup Competition of the national Embroiderer's Guild.

The theme of the competition, which was open to all members of the UK guild, was signs and symbols. Mrs Battye chose to depict a black and white image of Marilyn Monroe and was rewarded with the £50 second prize.

Last year she won the hand embroidery section of the Maderia Competition with an embroidery she had completed in a Maltese hospital after breaking her ankle on holiday.

She said: "I still have problems with my leg and had to keep it rested when I was working on this latest competition. As far as I know, no-one has ever won two national awards in the same year. I am delighted especially because these prizes raise the profile of embroidery."

Last year, Mrs Battye could not collect her award because she was in hospital having metal plates removed from her leg.

She was able to attend the latest ceremony at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Mrs Battye's work will be displayed in a national exhibition.