A YOUNG seamstress from Sudbury Hill has reached the final of the prestigious "Golden Shears" tailoring competition.

And hotshot designer Ozwald Boateng will be on the panel judging the 25 finalists from across the country.

Gbemi Oyebade, 20, of Greenford Road, Sudbury Hill, has beaten off more than 70 entrants to reach the final where the winner could win a massive £2,000 first prize and receive the coveted golden shears.

Gbemi saw the competition in Drapers magazine. She said: "I read about the competition and decided to enter. I was excited when I found out that I had reached the final and there will be a big catwalk show and there will be different judges who will pick the winner."

Each contestant had to make a tailored outfit for the first stage of judging in London by some of the country's top bespoke tailors. Marks were awarded for technical skill - design, cutting and handcraft tailoring. The outfit, a grey suit jacket and trousers submitted by Gbemi was selected to go forward to the finals at the Merchant Taylors' Hall in the City of London on March 12.

At this showcase all the finalists' garments will be shown by professional catwalk models in front of an audience of 300.

The runner-up will receive Silver Shears and £1,500. There will also be a special award of Silver Shears and £1,000 to a rising star.

Gbemi is in the final year of a BA Honours Degree in Fashion Design at the University of Westminster, Northwick Park and will graduate in June.

Robert Bright, chairman of the Golden Shears Competition, said: "The Golden Shears competition is a valuable showcase for talented students and apprentices with a prestigious prize and financial rewards. We have received more entries than ever before this year so we are looking forward to an exciting evening on March 12."