Commemorative coin designer gets royal approval

A DESIGNER working in the studio at Gateshead-based Vertu Motors has been given the honour of designing a new 50p coin to celebrate five decades of youth charity The King's Trust.

- COREENA FORD

Jess Gregorio, senior creative designer at Vertu and a Northumbria University graphic design graduate, beat competition from around the UK to create the commemorative coin, which was unveiled by The Royal Mint alongside four other coin designs.

Ms Gregorio met King Charles III to present her winning design on his birthday at Cyfarthfa Castle in Wales, alongside Anne Jessopp, chief executive of The Royal Mint, and Jonathan Townsend, CEO of The King's Trust.

She said the design of the coin places young people at the centre, reflecting the heritage of The King's Trust and the opportunities it provides today. It shows a flowing stream symbolising the charity's Royal Navy origins, a sun for optimism, and clouds representing dreams and ambitions.