Expectant mothers can now feel sexy after the launch of Britain's first range of lacy lingerie for pregnant women.

Mothers-to-be have long had to put up with granny pants and breast pads as they flourish in the later stages of pregnancy.

But Durham University graduate Jules Fossett has changed all that, with a line of bras and knickers she designed after being inspired by her pregnant sisters.

The designs include briefs cut to flatter bigger bottoms and pretty straps to provide extra support.

Underwear company Amoralia was founded by 26-year-old Ms Fossett, who came up with the idea two years ago while working at an advertising agency.

Ms Fossett was working for a lingerie client and was chatting about their products with her two sisters, who were both pregnant at the time, and spotted a gap in the market.

She said: "I have never been pregnant myself, but I do know that luxury underwear is one of those things that can instantly make you feel more feminine and sparkling."

The designs were met with approval by pregnant women on the streets of Newcastle, who said there was a lack of stylish maternity underwear.

Karen Miller, 24, said: "It's quite hard to feel sexy sometimes when you have ballooned in size. My old clothes don't fit and I don't want to waste my money on big frumpy bras and granny knickers."

A selection of Amoralia's maternity lingerie is on sale as far afield as Paris and Dubai, as well as UK stockists Harvey Nichols and figleaves.com

The company has already earned Miss Fossett an award for enterprise from Durham University, where she studied for a degree in psychology.