A CUMBRIAN woman left judges impressed with her leatherworking, earning herself a premium award.

Hattie Crabtree. of Near Sawrey, near Hawkshead, ventured to London for the National Saddlery Competition at the ‘awe-inspiring’ Saddlers Hall.

Hattie, who has ‘unsettled’ health due to Multiple Sclerosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and having her thyroid removed, decided that after a year of better health she was ready to take the plunge and enter the competition.

“I took the plunge this time and wasn’t really expecting anything because I know the standard is so high,” said Hattie.

“The class I was in was the intermediate bridle, which was to make a set of show reins.

“The standard was so high in my class that they awarded fourth place, and I was like ‘I’ll be happy if I get fourth’, then they read out my name as first and I was completely over the moon.

“I honestly didn’t believe that I would get that far.”

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne made an appearance on day two of the three-day extravaganza and Suzie of BBC One’s The Repair Shop appeared as a judge.

“We’ve come from all edges of the UK and the world to come to this competition,” said Hattie. “It was just such an amazing experience.

“It’s quite daunting putting yourself out there but it was the right time.”

Hattie’s reins, which were awarded a first and a premium for craftsmanship, were carefully created over the Christmas period in her parents’ kitchen.

Hattie believes the craft is becoming more popular.

She said: “It’s a heritage craft using natural material, everyone’s more aware of the environment. I do think it’s getting more popular.”

To find out more about Hattie’s services, visit her website at: www.hattiecrabtreeleatherwork.co.uk