A STUDENT has shelved her degree for a year to concentrate on setting up a children’s clothing business.

Catherine Wattrus hopes to launch her first collection of Baby Nini items – which features a range of products for newborn babies to youngsters aged up to five – next month.

Former York College student Catherine, from Amotherby, is starting her business after being awarded a Year in Enterprise Bursary from the University of Leeds, where she is currently studying for a degree in fashion.

The 21-year-old student, who has another year left on her course, said: “We did a big project at uni which was all about sustainable design and its alternatives.

“When you look at everything altogether there’s a lot of factory fires and sweatshop labour is quite a big thing.

“My cousin recently had a baby and looking for ethical clothing was quite difficult.

“I am hopefully looking to launch the first collection in November and I would like to inspire others to do the same and get my message of trying to be more sustainable across.”

The company is funded through the university bursary, and uses materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and hemp fibres when making its clothes to ensure it sticks to its ethos of producing and selling clothing, jersey garments and children’s toys that are free from a sweatshop environment, while still providing fashionable items.

Catherine added: “We are trying to get people interested in what we are doing.

“I’m working with other students who do graphic design to give them some experience.

“I’m contacting people and putting it out there that people who want experience should get in touch.”

For more information about the business visit www.babynini.co.uk