A TEENAGE apprentice tailor from Alcester has been shortlisted for a prestigious award after submitting a co-ordinating two piece garment to a panel of expert judges which included Savile Row Tailors and the head of couture at Vivienne Westwood.

Jessica Robinson, aged 19, who works at Robinson Bespoke Tailors in the High Street, is through to the grand final of the Golden Shears Award 2015 held at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, in London on Monday, March 16.

She is one of 25 finalists selected from apprentice tailors and students on tailoring courses across the UK.

Jessica, who works under the watchful eye of her father and grandfather, is very keen to follow in the family footsteps and one day take over the running of the business.

She said: “I am really, really happy to make it to the grand final. To get this far is a huge achievement and anything more would just be the cherry on the cake. As far as I can remember, I have always sewn, so it’s a natural thing for me to do.

“I have always wanted a career which involves sewing. I’m a very creative and hands-on person. I love the whole process of making a garment from the design element to cutting and stitching the cloth.”

The short-listed outfits will be modelled by professionals and judged by a celebrity panel, which includes male model David Gandy, fashion designer Betty Jackson, Jennifer Saunders, Carol Vorderman and former chairman of the BBC Lord Grade.

The winner will be presented with the Golden Shears Award trophy and £2,500. The runner-up will receive the Silver Shears and £2,000 and the most promising newcomer will receive the Silver Shears and £1,000.

This award was organised by the Merchant Taylors Company, an ancient livery company, originally set up to look after the interests of tailors.

The biannual event seeks to recognise and support up and coming talent in the tailoring industry and judges are looking for interpretation of design, accuracy of cutting and craft tailoring skills.