Tegan Ellis-McNabb, a design student from Greasby, has fought off international competition to be named a finalist in a prestigious fashion competition.

Now in its sixth year, the competition, run by The Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford and M&S, has received a record number of entries with designers flooding in from as far a field as Japan, America and Nigeria.

Finalists - who range from budding students through to established designers - were tasked with designing innovative women's or menswear garments, which reflect what "style" means to them, and creating a Pinterest board outlining their concept.

Tegan, who is aged 20, is currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University, took inspiration for her garment from contemporary couture houses such as Dior, Alexander McQueen and Mary Katrantzou.

The 21 finalists will each take their new design from the drawing board and onto the runway, creating their garment ready to be showcased and judged at the Liberty Catwalk Show, on Friday, May 29.

One lucky designer will be crowned "Liberty Fashion Designer of the year 2015", and will win a £1,000 injection into starting up a business or furthering their design career, which can go towards purchasing equipment or fabrics, hiring models models for shows or attending key fashion events.

They will also receive a trophy, plus expert business advise from M&S.

Also, for the first time, there will be a public vote for the "People's Choice Award", the winner of which will receive a trophy, £100 gift card and a pair of gold tickets to London Fashion Weekend in September.