A STANFORD-le-Hope woman has won a national competition after creating a spectacular child's dress.

Former Gable Hall School student Laura Carter from Northlands Close, works as a designer at Elsie's Closet featuring Iris Rose in Basildon and her work and has taken first place in a international dressmaking competition for Sew magazine.

She is now the magazine's 'Dressmaker of the Year' after her work came top from an entry of thousands that featured a huge number of designs described as 'incredible' by judges. Laura's dress topped them all - with the judges saying her exquisite entry offered a masterclass in transforming complicated materials into a beautifully finished garment that 'really stole the show'.

Laura, who also attended Performer's College at Corringham, said: "I took GCSE textiles at school but then I didn't touch a machine until my daughter was born in 2014.

"I was bored on maternity leave and I needed something to do so my husband bought me a machine and it all went from there.

"We even ended up moving house so I had more space to sew."

Speaking about her spectacular winning dress Laura said: "I pattern test for a couple of companies and one of them had just released a design that I decided to use for the dress. I did end up hacking it though as I wanted to combine the pattern with a couple of others.

"The dress wasn't for a particular person, it was more of a challenge that I wanted to set myself.

"Now that it has won a competition I don't think I can risk anyone wearing it.

"I will have to store it safely in a forever box."

The dress incorporated some unusual materials and Laura explained why, saying: "I really enjoy working with specialty fabrics such as tulle and lace. Basically any materials that most people don't like!

"I prefer elements that are difficult because it leaves you with a bigger sense of achievement when you are done.

"This particular dress is made from duchess satin, tulle, embroidered tulle and non static lining.

"You need to imagine that your project could be worn inside inside out and still look beautiful.

"Whenever I am sewing something I try to make sure the inside looks as good as the outside. Where possible the seams on this dress are enclosed. If not they are French seamed or overlocked.

"I also pleated the white tulle to keep the bulk on the waist seam down while still keeping the dress full.

"I never would have believed I could make such a complicated dress but I pushed myself and here I am.

"I would encourage everyone to embrace a challenge as you never know where you will end up!"