A TOWN centre sewing school has scooped the top prize in the British Sewing Awards.

Dolly's Haberdashery and Sewing School, based on Academy Way, was shortlisted in the 'best independent retailer' category for the north west.

The British Sewing Awards is run every year by Sew magazine, and is widely recognised as one of the most important annual events in the industry.

Owner Linsey Williams, said: "Our garment making class is very popular where people can make little dresses and t-shirts. We do one-day courses for people wanting to learn a new skill.

"It has been an amazing four years, it has not been not an easy journey but the shop has definitely come into its own and created a sewing community.

"It's now so much more than sewing, we have a great friendship group and go on nights out and even had a Christmas party."

The nomination process for the awards starts in May, when the sewing and haberdashery community nominates its favourites in seven categories.

This is then shortlisted and put to a vote in August and the winners were announced earlier this month.

Dolly's, which recently celebrated its fourth birthday, runs a variety of classes for children and adults, whether they are beginners or experienced with a sewing machine.

The school teaches star student Laura Perry, who was the only child to be shortlisted for Dressmaker of the Year, last year.

Laura was specially commended in the national sewing awards in 2018 after blowing away the judges with her talent at such a young age.