A Brightlingsea student is hoping to follow in the footsteps of the nation's top designers after she was offered a place at a prestigious fashion school.

Nicola Brindle is set to study art and design at Central St Martin's, London, in September subject to exam success.

The 17-year-old of Chapel Road was offered a place at the school after she showed tutors her portfolio.

She now hopes the course can help her match the triumphs of its former students - Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano.

She said: "This is my dream and I didn't want to go anywhere else."