Holly Simpkins wears the prizewinning design she created herself - a bell-shaped light blue felt dress (30468/2)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: TEENAGER Holly Simpkins could be on her way to fame and fortune after winning a fashion competition.

The 18-year-old, of Elm Hayes, Corsham, scooped £500 when she won the Design and Industries Association Student Fashion Show 2005 at the Hotbath Gallery at the City of Bath College, from Tuesday to Friday.

She wore her own design in the fashion show, which was a bell-shaped light blue felt dress and was overjoyed to hear she had won the top award.

Her proud mother Irene, 46, said: "I don't know where she gets it from.

"She went to the Corsham School and didn't take textiles of art. She wanted to be a gym instructor originally.

"She has done so well and I am so proud. She has made some wonderful clothes.

"My sister always used to make her own clothes but I couldn't even make a sock.

"Maybe one day she will own her own shop or work for someone famous like Versace. It's very exciting."

The competition, which has been held every year since 1915, is supported by Bristol charity the Gane Trust.

Miss Simpkins will finish a two-year course in design and textiles at the City of Bath College this summer and has been accepted for a place at the Arts Institute, Bournemouth, in September.