A LEADING designer has returned to her former college to help students draw up plans for their future.

Maria Cooper, who works for Orla Kiely and is a former designer for retail giants H&M and British fashion icon Zandra Rhodes, spent a day in her old art college studio working with textile and surface design degree students at Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD).

Ms Cooper, 30, who graduated from CCAD in 2004 with a BA (Hons) in textile and surface design, is now based in London with a career that takes her all over the world. She said: “I’ve seen some great work today, very on trend.”

EXERCISE CLASSES: A new round of beginners’ exercise sessions is about to start in Hartlepool and the council is urging local people to book their places. For more information or to book a place telephone 01429-284050, e-mail sport.recreation@hartlepool.gov.uk or visit the Hartlepool Council website at http://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/maybegin2

STRAWBERRY MARKET: The first Yorkshire strawberry crop of the year will on be on sale on Saturday, May 11 at this month’s farmers’ market in Saltburn. The market runs from 9am to 2pm on the Station Portico and outside Sainsbury’s.