THE latest winner of a fashion award for local students launched in memory of a highly-regarded Dudley man has been announced.

Dudley College student Hatty Westwood has won the Roy Pedley Award, which was launched by his family in 2018 in tribute to the much-loved former Rotary Club of Dudley president.

Hatty, aged 18, scooped this year’s award, which includes a £550 bursary, by impressing judges with her 1.4 metre fabric creation, intricately made from a fishing net, recycled plastic, wild plants and embroidered natural materials.

Roy was a widely respected textiles expert, Rotarian and local magistrate, who died in 2017 aged 89.

Shortly after his death his family launched the award to showcase the work of the brightest fashion, design and textile students in the area.

Hatty’s design aims to promote a better environment and raise awareness of the dangers the world’s animals face, and the role recycled materials can play in the textiles industry.

Roy’s son Andrew Pedley said: “We’ve said over the years how hugely popular dad was across the Black Country, but especially in Dudley and Tipton where he gave so much time for charity and young people.

"Alongside his community work and his role as a magistrate, he also had a long career in the textiles industry.

"This year we’re marking the sixth year of the Award and it has become an honour for talented local students at Dudley College to aim for.

"It always has and always will be a way to showcase the brightest fashion and textile students in the Black Country and Hatty really stood out this year.

"Her vision to push more sustainable thinking in the textiles industry really impressed the judges.

“She has a huge future ahead and I’d like to congratulate her once again.”

Hatty will be using the £550 prize to help finance a university trip to Paris where she will visit a fabric supply exhibition, and to purchase materials for her course.