IT'S hats off to a North-East college designer who has been given a rare chance to showcase her head-turning talent.

Lynne Waterfall-Brown, who teaches on the millinery course at Darlington College of Technology was given the opportunity by the High Sheriff of Durham.

Elizabeth Smyth, who was appointed High Sheriff earlier this year designer her own gown for the appointment ceremony, but wanted to use home-grown talent to help with her headwear.

So she asked Lynne to design and make her hat, which incorporates Ostrich feathers from South Africa.

Mrs Smyth said: "The hat was much admired and I was extremely pleased that the college was involved, it was a marvellous chance to showcase local talent."

The High Sheriff is the Queen's representative in the country for all matters relating to the judiciary and law and order.

Lynne, programme leader for the part-time City and Guilds millinery course in the school of journalism, media, art and design, said: "I was delighted to help, it's not every day you get the chance to work on such a

prestigious project."