Laura's design talent shines on television show

A teacher from South Tyneside with a passion for fashion has displayed her talent for clothing design to an audience of millions after stepping into the spotlight on a hit television show.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Laura Bloom, 38, mixed with stars including supermodel Lily Cole, singer Frankie Bridge and presenters Vernon Kay and AJ Odudo on ITV1 and ITVX's peak time M&S: Dress the Nation.

Her stylish autumn women's dress, a seasonal woven jacket and a classy menswear shirt, saw her progress through three weekly rounds to the high-pressure semifinal.

Although her flared jeans design was praised, she was not one of the three contestants to reach the final and the chance to clinch a mentorship with retail giant M&S.

Laura, an engineering teacher at Mortimer Community College in South Shields, admitted the judges were searching for something with a touch more creativity.