A CREATION inspired by Japanese ceramics has seen Vicky Fry win a coveted award at the UK's largest graduate designer event.

Now, Vicky is to showcase her work in a major international fabric design show in Paris.

The 21-year-old from Northallerton took just half a day to make a three-metre-long hanging, with a design of three large pots, on a heavy wool fabric.

Her work picked up the Anna French Award for Textiles at the New Designers event, which featured more than 4,000 graduate designers from more than 1,000 colleges and universities.

She said: "I made it as an exhibition piece for my final show and it was inspired by Japanese ceramics, but it was one of the quickest pieces I have done.

"I was amazed to win and it was fantastic to get contacts with a lot of companies at the show, so it has led to a few interviews and maybe some freelance work."

Vicky, who graduated with first class honours from Cleveland College of Art and Design, hopes the Paris design show, Indigo, held in October, will help her pursue a career in design.

She said: "It is quite difficult to get into, but if you go to these exhibitions and meet people it helps you get where you want to be."

Tutor Tricia McKenzie said: "Vicky has always been an excellent student and she has worked very hard and deserves her success. Already she has managed to achieve quite a high profile and being able to exhibit in Paris gives her a head start."

More information about the international textiles and surface pattern course is available from Tricia, by calling (01429) 422000