Today

A Devon student has won the 2006 Clothes Show Live Young Designer of the Year award.

Tom Stevens, from Chulmleigh in north Devon, scooped the coveted award with his 1970s-inspired disco designs.

The 21-year-old, who is a student at Taunton's Somerset College of Arts and Technology, produced colourful and vibrant designs which dazzled the panel of judges.

"I'm in total shock. I can't believe I won," said a delighted Stevens.

He added: "I'm absolutely thrilled because the standard was so high and it was a really tough competition.

"It was a really good brief because I like working with colour and we could choose a theme so I chose to base my design on the musical Fame - which is why my design included a big yellow taxi on the back and lots of bright colour."

Tom Stevens: "I'm in total shock. I can't believe I won."

The judges included top British designer Tristan Webber and Daily Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander.

Students from fashion colleges across the country were asked to create a 70s inspired design bringing disco fever into the modern day for this year's Disco Inferno themed competition.

Stevens found out he had been selected from more than 300 entrants as one of nine finalists on his 21st birthday in November.

In addition to being crowned Young Designer of the Year, Stevens also picked up a cool £2,000, a week's work experience with Webber and £1,000 for the college.

He said: "I chose to study Fashion Textiles at Somerset College because it has such great facilities and this award proves that.

"This has all been an amazing experience that I will never forget. And it will be good for the College as it will strengthen the excellent reputation it already has.

"I plan to use the money I have won for my final collection for Graduate Fashion Week in June, although some of it may go towards celebrating tonight!"

Speaking after the competition, Webber said: "I was extremely impressed how all entrants had translated their initial designs into fantastic outfits.

"The standard was very high but the most interesting pieces were where the students had taken a contemporary approach. I think Tom shows huge potential and I look forward to seeing him working in London."