DESIGNERS from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College have swept the board at a prestigious competition in London.

Students from the Faculty of Design showcased their designs at the New Designers' Exhibition held the Business Design Centre in London.

The university in the centre of High Wycombe had four big winners at the event, which attracted entrants from 40 universities across the UK.

Kimberley Selwood from Wooburn Green, won the New Designers Goldsmiths Company Award for Jewellery. Miss Selwood, who has just graduated, was surprised to win and has seen her career take off as a result of the award.

She said: "It was a complete and utter shock, it was incredible."

"Winning the award is extremely important, you get loads of recognition and you get money to set up your own workshop."

The jewellery design student received a cheque for £1,000 and was given precious metal worth £500 to make new pieces.

Miss Selwood told the Free Press she made a lot of contacts as a result of her success and her work will now be featured in industry publications.

Pereta Patel, of Hughenden Road, High Wycombe, scooped the New Designers Allermuir Award For Furniture Manufacture.

Her rocking chair, which converts into an easy chair, got industry tongues wagging and prompted offers of cash for the unusual piece.

Miss Patel said: "A lot of people are interested in the piece and they want to produce it.

"So my career's gone further than I expected by doing this."

Shan Valla, who has been studying for a BA (Hons) in ceramics and glass at the college, won the Business Design Centre New Designer of the Year Award for the best in show along with £2,000 in cash.

Furniture Studies student, Lukasz Opalinski, won the New Designers Real Sheepskin Association Award For Furniture and Furnishings worth £1,000.