Andrew Yates, of Hindley Green, left Wigan for the bright lights of London after gaining a coveted place at Central St Martin's – home to the UK's future fashion talent.

The 22-year-old former Deanery High School and Winstanley College student, is now about to graduate from the prestigious college and will go out with a bang when his knitwear collection is shown to the frontrunners of the fashion world.

Andrew was astounded to learn that he would be one of just 40 students from a 150-strong year, to show his collection at the Central St Martin's Press Show.

He said: "They wanted to select collections which would show what's new and interesting in fashion so I was over the moon when I heard they had chosen me.

"I am quite a modest person and wasn't expecting it at all so I wouldn't have been disheartened had they not picked me, but I think it has gone a long way to confirming my abilities. It's going to be a hectic day as we have a show for the public and one for the press.
There will be lots of industry representatives there."

The show will be no doubt be a significant boost to the fledgling designer, who has always dreamed of achieving success in the world of fashion since discovering his talent for knitwear design as a schoolboy.

He said: "It is something I have always wanted to do and have to thank two of my teachers at Deanery who really inspired me to pursue a career in fashion, Janette Lyon and Karen Greer.

"Mrs Lyon always believed in me and was really adamant that I was going to end up at Central St Martin's and I did!"

The press show will take place at Yorke Hall, Bethnal Green, where Andrew's unique, six-piece collection will be paraded along the catwalk before the keen eyes of the fashion industry.

Andrew added: "I've been told it's an unconventional collection. It's not really that wearable and is not your average kind of fashion.

"I have never really thought of myself as being a catwalk designer but hope that in 10 years time I will be working as a freelancer, enjoying making more unique pieces."