A TALENTED youngster has secured funding to follow her fashion dreams.

Sophie Stewart, from Renton, successfully applied to the town’s creative charity Clifftop Project’s Nurturing Talent fund after she had her sights set on becoming a fashion designer.

The enthusiastic 12-year-old was encouraged to apply by the Skylark IX Recovery Project team when they saw her passion and potential at the “Make Do and Mend” sessions the charity ran over the summer.

She was granted the full amount of £235.94 that she applied for when she entered the 12-15 year-old category.

The aspiring designer has decided to spend the grant money on a digital drawing tablet and pen, a sewing starter kit, drawing pencils, a pad and material offcuts.

Jade West, volunteer co-ordinator at the Skylark IX Recovery Project said: “We are absolutely over the moon for Sophie.

“She was so eager to learn from our textile expert Suzanne Marshall-Smith during our sessions and showed such talent.

“The grant will make a real difference by enabling her to develop her skills and further her aspirations for a bright future as a designer.”

Lottie Barker, artistic director at Clifftop Projects, also congratulated Sophie on her success.

She said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the creativity shown by young people in their applications to the Nurturing Talent Fund.

“We received a total of 60 applications and were able to fund 39 young people to pursue their love of the arts with everything from creating a dance film with local teenagers to studying cake decoration and recording a podcast about local stories.

“Sophie’s application showed such passion for her artform and I am glad that with this funding she will be able to build upon the support and encouragement she received from the Skylark IX Recovery Project.

“I am passionate about working in collaboration with other local organisations and this is a prime example of how organisations collaborating can provide ongoing support for individuals.

“We are delighted to be part of West Dunbartonshire’s thriving hub of community development activity.”