IT’S hats off for an arts student after her innovative millinery designs earned her a prestigious educational award – and a much needed cash boost when she was down to her last £2.

Cleveland College of Art & Design student Tina Frank, 30, of Middleborough, received a £4,000 grant from The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers after impressing them with her leather costumes.

The cash bursary will enable Tina, a strict vegetarian who doesn’t wear leather herself, to continue with the final year of her BA (Hons) Entertainment Design Crafts course.

“I was literally down to the last £2 in my pocket and was £400 in debt when I heard I’d been given the bursary,” said Tina.

“It was looking like I would have to apply for an emergency loan or even give up my studies and find a job just to survive, but now I have a real chance of making it.”

The Leathersellers’ Company has been supporting education at all levels since the 17th century. It was founded by royal charter in 1444 and given the authority to control the sale of leather within London and now devotes its energies supporting charities, education and the British leather trade.