A CREATIVE young businesswoman has cleaned up after the recession forced her to adapt her media skills.

Former Darlington College student Felicity Hopkins, 22, has won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year title in Richmondshire District Council’s Citizenship Awards.

Ms Hopkins, from Leyburn, North Yorkshire, had hoped to pursue a career in the media after studying film and TV.

But the recession made it virtually impossible to find a job, so she put her media skills to good use by launching her own businesses with the help of her mother Kay.

Eight months later, Dusty Spring Clean continues to go from strength to strength with a growing list of private and commercial clients.

Miss Hopkins said: “I didn’t even know I had been nominated – I received an official letter and thought it was a bill.

“It was amazing to win, really great and a brilliant surprise.”

John Gibb, Miss Hopkins’ former tutor at Darlington College, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Felicity who thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

Miss Hopkins, who now employs two gardeners and three cleaners, said: “We always knew that cleaning was big business, but didn’t expect it to be this big during a recession.

“I do still have aspirations in the media when things pick up. Until then I will continue to use the skills I learnt at Darlington College to look after the website, advertising and design.”

For more information on Dusty Spring Clean, call 01969-624199.