Each year, the fashion and textiles students at Congleton High School are able to take part in the Berisfords Design Award, which the school runs in conjunction with the Congleton-based company.

Competitors are challenged to design a product using the "incredible" range of ribbons manufactured locally by Berisfords.

In previous years, students have been asked to design and produce bags, cushions and skirts but this year, the brief was to create a unique pillowcase design.

Many months of planning and hard work (and some unpicking) followed, and an array of highly creative and intricate designs worked up in to finished products.

Normally the competition would take place and be judged in the Autumn term, with winners being notified just before Christmas.

However, as with so many things, Covid stopped play and the judging by the Bersifords team was only able to take place recently.

All the entries were of "exceptionally high-quality" and worthy of a prize "so choosing just three was no easy task".

Eventually a winner was selected, and Year 10 Isabelle J won the first prize of £70 with her "magical", woven pink unicorn creation, which featured a multi-coloured flowing mane and floral embellishments.

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Crafted from a variety of ribbons in a range of pink and white tones, Isabelle's finished product demonstrated a "wide range of techniques and a great deal of skill and effort".

Year 10 Libby B scooped £40 for second prize with her "beautiful" blue sky rainbow design, which had added significance this year.

Year 10 Emily T was awarded third prize of £20 for her "stunning" tartan inspired submission, featuring flamingo and polka dot ribbons, interwoven with shades of pink and coral.

The fashion and textiles teacher, Mrs Tania Paling Sparkes, added: "We really appreciate and enjoy the marvellous partnership that we have formed with Berisfords and we would like to thank them for their generosity in time, materials and prizes each year.

"The annual event is a great all-round experience for our fashion and textiles students, and it really makes a difference to the quality of their coursework and final examination grades."