A SCHOOLGIRL has been specially commended in the national sewing awards after blowing away the judges with her talent.

Twelve-year-old Laura Perry was the only child to be shortlisted for Dressmaker of the Year, dubbed 'the Oscars of the sewing industry'.

Because of her young age, the judges were not able to place her in a category with the older entries and so Laura received a special recognition award.

The Great Sankey High School pupil has attended Dolly's Haberdashery and Sewing School since it opened three years ago and owner Linsey Williams spotted a star student straightaway.

The proud teacher said: "She was my first child pupil at Dolly's and she was brilliant from the start, I knew she would be able to sew anything."

During her time at Dolly's she has made everything from dresses to waistcoats and gets her younger brother Daniel to model her boys' clothes.

Laura attends the school once a week for a one-on-one session with Linsey.

Laura struggles at school, suffering badly with dyslexia and Linsey says she is an inspiration to other children who are not academically strong.

She said: "Not all children are academic and Laura has become so confident with her sewing.

"Laura uses difficult fabrics because she loves a challenge, such as PVC and snakeskin, it astonishes me.

"She also loves Katy Perry and a lot of her outfits are part of Laura's inspiration."

The 12-year-old will not get the chance to study textiles until her GCSE years at school, something which Linsey thinks is holding creative children behind.

Laura is currently working on a beautiful summer dress covered in chickens, typical of her eccentric style.

Linsey added: "She made a fabulous turquoise two-piece which had ice creams printed on it and took the dog out for a walk in it!"

Looking ahead, Linsey is convinced Laura will have a successful international career in design, "She will definitely be working in Paris one day."