AFRICAN shorts will be adding a splash of colour to summer in North Yorkshire thanks to the entrepreneurial flair of a York school girl.

Sixteen-year-old Celia Boddy has launched Kenyan Shorts by Celia, selling men's boxer shorts and ladies beach shorts in a bid to increase employment opportunities in Africa.

Her venture follows a trip to Kenya earlier this year, when the Queen Margaret's School pupil came across Rock and Stones.

The company promotes work in the community and operates a workshop in Gil Gil, north of Nairobi, where a team of four produces the colourful shorts.

Celia said: "I visited Kenya in February 2014 and found these fantastic shorts.

"As soon as I saw them I knew that I had to bring some back with me from our holiday and start a little “side line” business selling them which I’m hoping will help my University business studies course application.

"When we were in the bush staying with our friends, I met the loveliest lady called Nancy who is the main lady involved in the production of the shorts and boxers.

"The company currently employs a further 3 people from the local area giving them fantastic unprecedented opportunities receiving fair pay and work in a great social environment.

"The men’s boxers are made out Kitengi, a West African fabric and the women’s shorts are made from Kanga, an East African fabric. Every stage of the production process is fairtrade.

"I would love to see their workforce increase in numbers and more of the lovely Kenyan people benefitting from the joy of employment."

Celia sells the shorts online through a page set up on Facebook, while also retailing them at events across Yorkshire including country and game fairs, and horse trail events.

SInce launching Kenyan Shorts by Celia, Celia has already sold more than 300 pairs, with her sales alone allowing Nancy and her team in Gil Gil to purchase a new sewing machine.