STACEY West, a jewellery and silversmithing student from Stratton, has won first place in the jewellery and fashion category of this year's Pewter Live Student Competition at Pewterer's Hall in London.

The competition, now in its 27th year and organised by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, provides an opportunity for aspiring designers to gain not only a valuable commission but lots of publicity too.

Plymouth College of Art student Stacey, whose necklace named 'Found Treasures' also won a high commendation from the Giftware Association, was presented with her award by British designer Nick Munro — known for his collaborations with Wedgwood, Spode, the V&A Museum and more.

Stacey said: "The piece I entered into the Pewter Live 2015 competition was not designed for the intention of entering the competition.

"I made the necklace as a final piece for a practical college project and was strongly encouraged to enter the competition by my tutor.

"I was not expecting to win an award at all. So when I was presented with the prize for first place in the jewellery and fashion category and a high commendation from the Giftware Association I was completely overwhelmed."

Stacey works from her home studio in Stratton: "Living in such a beautiful area it is easy to be inspired by the natural shapes, textures and forms that make up the environment. My work explores what the environment has to offer us as well as being directly influence by its artistry and charm."

Stacey's necklace design was inspired by the coastal rock formations at Widemouth Bay and the idea of treasures found within an otherwise worthless material.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.