A University of Winchester student has been given a special award.

Fashion Business and Marketing student, Lauren Watson, claimed the spotlight, earning the Rising Star award at Winchester's inaugural Maven Awards, having orchestrated a charity fashion event.

Ms Watson, alongside peer Rachel Stenning, was shortlisted for the honour after volunteering in the Charity Shop Chic Fashion Show last October.

The event, a feature of the city's fashion week, raised more than £1,500 in funds, for Dogs Trust, Oxfam, Naomi House Hospice and the British Heart Foundation.

The main organiser of the show, personal stylist Sarah Sullivan, nominated the duo for their contributions.

Natalie Hamer, founder of Maven, praised Ms Watson stating: "Lauren was an extremely worthy winner, she worked so hard with one of our members on a fashion event, she is dedicated, vivacious and hard working."

21-year-old Ms Watson hinted at a future career in fashion event organising, and is currently juggling academic pursuits with a role as secretary for the university cheerleading team.

Echoing Ms Hamer's sentiments, the programme leader and lecturer in Fashion and Marketing, Marina Brkljac, praised Ms Watson: "We are incredibly proud of Lauren for her dedication and achievements.

"This recognition is a testament to the talent and hard work of our students."