Petworth college student, 14, embarks on business venture inspired by Christmas homework

Seaford College, GCSE student Scarlet Norris, 14, from Chichester, received an ‘overwhelmingly positive’ response after her fabric design was published on Facebook.

Mum Maxine, who shared the designs with fellow members of The Great British Sewing Bee page, said Scarlet was asked to design the fabric for her Christmas homework.

She said: "Scarlet likes fine detail. She's always had an eye for drawing small patterns and detailed drawings.

"She's got a way with colour. It would be a great thing to put one of her fabrics on a textile garment.

"She produced some samples she’d painted and I absolutely loved one of them stating that I would buy and wear it."

After receiving ‘hundreds’ of comments expressing an interest, Maxine and Scarlet would love to hear from local businesses which might be able to invest in the venture.

Maxine added: "Many people have complimented her on her talent and suggested getting it printed and that they would love to buy it.

"I have looked into this and it is expensive to print and by the time it’s marked up probably not very affordable to many.

"[We want to hear from] local business who would want to sponsor a young talent and help her develop this into a small business venture.

"To see her designs printed on to fabric and then made into garments would be an absolute dream."