WHEN she was at primary school, Sarah Chrisp, of Darlington, was told she was a slow child who didn't try hard enough.

It wasn't until she reached the age of 11 that she was finally diagnosed as dyslexic, which was why she had found it hard to read and write.

This week her perceptions of the alphabet were seen as a stunning piece of artwork which she created for her graduate show at Staffordshire university in Stoke- on-Trent.

"I always wanted to draw letters the wrong way round or upside down," said the 22-year-old from Blackwell, who gained a BA (hons) in glass design.

"My work is a rebellion against convention and has allowed me to create my own letter forms that are confusing and challenging to the viewer, reflecting my first experiences with the alphabet," she said. The work spells out "It's easy", though it is difficult to work out the meaning.

She said: "It's very liberating to be able to express what you've felt. Teachers used to say I was slow or didn't try hard enough."

Miss Chrisp spent four months working in New Zealand on an exchange programme during her course and would love to go back there. "It's such a tranquil place," she said. "And everyone is so laid back."

Miss Chrisp, who attended Polam Hall school, returned home this week and plans to use her skills to set up a studio to produce her own designs and commissioned pieces, though she has yet to decide whether this will be in the North of England, somewhere close to London - or even New Zealand.