AN aspiring young designer is hoping her business dreams take off as she prepares to showcase her Swan Lake-inspired couture gown.

Cleveland College of Art and Design student Cheryl Holmstrom is looking to follow in the footsteps of royal wedding dress designer Sarah Burton by setting up her own haute couture bridal design business.

Miss Holmstrom, 21, who is set to graduate from the college entertainment and design crafts course, has already received her first commission from the relative of a fellow student to produce a replica of her final degree ostrich feather and crystal encrusted dress.

"It was so exciting to get my first commission, " said Miss Holmstrom, of Middlesbrough. "It really helped me to make my mind up to work for myself rather than sell my ideas to someone else.

"I want to make totally unique bespoke couture standard garments, working with clients to their specific requirements and budgets, and see my dresses in bridal magazines and on catwalks across the world."

The Swan Lake gown, which took over six months to make, has more than 4,000 individually hand painted petals, £400-worth of ostrich feathers, delicately hand-painted lace and thousands of Swarovski crystals.