A TEENAGER has set up her own business in a market town selling designer womenswear.

The 19-year-old decided against going to university to study architecture because of the costs involved.

Instead, with the help of a £4,000 loan through the Prince's Trust, Robyn Oliver has opened Hot Couture, in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

She said: "University is just too expensive.

"I wanted to be an architect, but it was going to cost thousands and then I wasn't guaranteed a job.

"I didn't want to get into debt.

"I thought about getting a job for a year or two, but I've been in temporary jobs before and I didn't find it exciting at all.

"I wanted to set my own goals and earn my own money so I looked at setting up a business."

After finishing her A-levels last year, Miss Oliver sought advice through Business Solutions, in Bedale, and in March began talks with The Prince's Trust.

"They gave me a loan of £4,000 to pay for the lease of my shop, painting and decorating and my start-up stock," she said.

Hot Couture, in Newbiggin, sells budget and more expensive designerwear for women.

Brands include Miss Sixty, Diesel DKNY, Lambretta, Firetrap, Morgan and Roxy.

The store also stocks accessories.

For more information about Hot Couture, call (01748) 826929.