TWO students with designs on a career in the fashion industry have been given a head start by a Darlington bridal wear design studio.

Sade Betiku and Sarah Hutchison, both 18, are working with mother-and-daughter team Mary Blair and Clare Bartlett at Chloe's Bridal Wear, and making a considerable impression.

Sade and Sarah are shortly to start a fashion course at Darlington College. The National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing, which starts in September, is designed to open the door to a career in the highly competitive fashion industry.

Sarah, from Bishop Auckland, and Sade, from Brompton-on-Swale, work at Chloe's one day a week.

Sarah said: " I am gaining really good work experience as well as learning a lot of new skills."

Sade said: "I've been learning different technologies and design processes, which will be really useful when I start in September."

Mrs Blair said: "It gives young people a chance in what is becoming a dying trade."

The course is open to those aged 16 and above with minimum qualifications of four GCSEs at Grade C or above.