Pupils from Helston Community College vied to become Cornwall's answer to Coco Chanel as they took part in a recent design competition.

Children from the college's fashion academy worked with Claire Barker-Phillips, fashion tutor at Falmouth University, on a competition inspired by one of the current graduate collections.

The group of 15 students were asked to design and make original garments out of only square pieces of fabric over four weeks, and the final designs were shown off during a trip to the university this week, where the girls got the opportunity to look at and even try on some of the graduates garments.

Ms Marsden, who runs the club, said “The students' work was as exciting and innovative as some of the final degree work we looked at during our trip. Each and every student should be extremely proud of themselves.”

The prize for the most innovative design was won by Freya Tatham for her garment made out of only two squares, and she was presented with a trophy made at the University.

The tutors and students who judged the work were so impressed with it all that the tutors would like university students and college pupils to collaborate on a project next year.

The fashion academy is run at the college in room B9, every Thursday at 3.15pm.

Picture:

1. Freya Tatham with her prize

2. The students at the university