A BUDDING fashion designer from Dorset is in the running for an award at the country’s top fashion show.

Lauren Barfoot, aged 21, of Frampton, has been selected as one of three finalists for the Young Textile Designer of the Year competition at the London Clothes Show.

The former Thomas Hardye School student impressed the judges with her design for a black and white dress print that was made into a prom dress.

The winner of the competition run by New Look and Drapers Records will be announced at the fashion show on May 30.

Five major figures from the fashion industry will be judging the three finalists and if Lauren scoops the top prize her dress will be available in New Look stores this summer.

Lauren, who is in the final year of a Printed Textiles Design degree course at Loughborough University, said she was looking forward to heading to London for the Clothes Show but says she knows she is up against some stiff competition.

She said: “It will be exciting but I know I’m up against two other really good finalists.

“It was something my tutor at university recommended me to go for. I have never really been up for any big awards before.”

Lauren studied art and textiles while at the Thomas Hardye School and began to develop her now flourishing talent.

She also drew inspiration from her mother Jane Burden, who runs ArtXtra art workshops in Frampton.

Jane said: “She has been doing really well at university and working really hard.”

After her graduating this summer Lauren has earned a place to study for a Masters at the Royal College of Art next year.

Her ultimate aim is a career in fashion design and she is in the process of setting up a website to show off her designs, which will be available at www.lauren barfoot.com