A YOUNG bargain hunter from Dorset has scooped two finalist spots for one of 2015’s most prestigious national digital awards.

Emma Mumford, 21, right, who lives near Dorchester, has been named as a finalist in the Young Person Recognition and Retail and Fashion categories at this year’s UK Blog Awards for her blog Extreme Couponing and Deals UK.

The self-professed ‘Coupon Queen’ left her job to become an ‘extreme couponer’ and turned her money- saving hobby into a full-time job.

One year on, her devoted blog reviews products and provides daily deals and coupons and she has gathered a following of more than 90,000 people on her Facebook page.

Emma said being shortlisted is a ‘dream come true’.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the email saying I was shortlisted. I have everything crossed that the panel will like my extreme couponing and the world of Coupon Queen.

“It would mean the world to me to win and will be the highest recognition I could get for my hard work. A real dream come true.”

She added: “None of this would be possible without my loyal followers, so thank you to everyone who voted and has confidence in my work.”

Her blog will now face an expert panel of judges who will determine whether it will get the top spot in the shortlisted categories and see her crowned winner.

Gemma Pears, founder and director of the UK Blog Awards, said: “Blogging is growing increasingly important in the UK; it’s a great way to position yourself as an expert in your field, to build your credibility, as well as being able to showcase your knowledge, whether you’re blogging as an industry professional or simply because you love to write.

“Blogging is such a demanding job, why should people and businesses not be awarded for their hard work?”

Emma will join a host of other UK bloggers who have been shortlisted in a total of 14 categories in a glittering awards ceremony in London in April.

For more information, or to see the full list of shortlisted candidates, visit blogawardsuk.co.uk.