A TEXTILES student shared his dreams of high couture with the region’s leading entrepreneurs at an expo designed to promote enterprise.

Northallerton College student Thomas Wickens took to the stage at Venturefest Yorkshire 2010, a business conference staged at York Racecourse.

The 18-year-old, of Thimbleby, won the chance to take part in the prestigious gathering through his AS coursework, in which he designed an haute couture wedding dress.

And he spoke to the audience of leading technology entrepreneurs and businessmen about his ideas and aspirations in the world of fashion.

Thomas is aiming to work one day in high fashion in Paris, a dream he has held since visiting Rome on a school trip.

"The couture houses of the Spanish Steps district left me enthralled," he said.

"I like to think of my work as avant-garde. I always want to do something different and hate repeating myself but I want to retain my own style."

He hopes to take a fashion degree and also secure an apprenticeship with a major fashion house. His ultimate aim is to have his own label.

College textiles teacher Linda Breckon said: "He is doing very well and it was a real privilege to see him speak at the expo.

"Thomas is very creative and always stretches himself with his designs. He is driven and self motivated and I am sure he will do very well in the future."