FASHION designer Lucy Raper is aiming to crack the international market from her North-East base.

Ms Raper, who runs Rawlins and Ritchie from her home in Gainford, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, is entering the export market and expanding the number of manufacturers she uses.

The 36-year-old worked with a business consultant on a high growth programme, developed by Business Link County Durham with Northumbria University.

It is designed to help micro-businesses, employing fewer than ten people, that have high growth potential.

Ms Raper, who worked for a London designer before going freelance, specialises in casual and leisure wear, and designs mainly for women aged 40 and over.

She said: "I do think that this age group is a neglected area but it also means the clothes don't date as fast as high fashion.

"My designs are manufactured in the Far East and Portugal, although I am also looking at Romania too.

"The programme helped me take a step back and look at my business's future, and that isn't always easy when you are bogged down in the day-to-day running."