GLASS and ceramics artist Jodi Wright has scored a notable success at a leading industry trade show.

She was voted runner-up in the best newcomer section at the Top Drawer Autumn Exhibition, held at London's Earls Court.

And as well as covering herself in glory, Jodi also came away from the prestigious event armed with many orders for her eye-catching work.

She showed off her wares in the Prince's Trust-supported section of the exhibition, and received her prize from Isobel Martinson, chief executive of the Giftware Association, which co-sponsors the awards with the Prince's Trust.

Part of her prize includes a year's free membership of the Giftware Association, which offers copyright protection for members' products, and a business mentor with wide experience in the giftware industry.

Jodi launched several new lines at the exhibition, adding to her range of kiln-formed lead crystal glass products, and told Business Gazette that she was delighted with the response.

The 3D design graduate is rapidly making a name for herself, having only moved to her studio at the Farfield Mill arts and heritage centre, near Sedbergh, in December last year.

"As a frustrated dancer, I have chosen a medium through which I can continue to express movement, elegance and passion," she explained.

"Although glass is a fragile material, with care it can be manipulated into amazing forms, textures and colours, which both calm and excite.

I believe I have brought all these exciting elements together with the introduction of these new collections."

The Prince's Trust helped Jodi to get her business off the ground with a £1,250 grant and a similar amount as a loan, enabling her to start production with a sandblaster and compressor among other equipment.

And she can also call on the advice of a mentor, Natland businessman Don Shore, who has already proved invaluable.

Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency also provided a start-up grant which enabled Jodi to buy a much-needed kiln.

With a Christmas shopping event lined up at Farfield Mill on the evening of November 21, and two festive craft markets in Manchester due to follow in December, Jodi looks set to be kept very busy in the coming months.