A HAMPSHIRE woman is set to take the fashion world by storm with a model solution to retailers' display problems.

Fareham single mum Andrea Cheason, 30, needed an easily transportable mannequin for her lingerie business, but couldn't find one. So, she sat down and designed her own.

So successful was her inspired 'slot and lock' design, named Bodylite, that she has abandoned her lingerie business to focus all her efforts on selling the mannequins.

When inspiration struck, Andrea turned her two bedroom flat into an impromptu design studio with six-year-old daughter Eloise and partner Will Barnes pitching in to help.

"It came out of the blue, I didn't realise this would happen. When I design my flat turns into a workshop and everybody helps."

Waterlooville firm Sunlight Plastics turned the prototype into a product, priced £195.

Already, companies like bra manufacturer Panache and swimwear firm Zogs are interested in the idea, which is made from luminous Perspex and comes in a choice of 190 colours and textures. Andrea said: "The reaction has been very good. Everybody's interested but it's only now that I am in a position to sell them.

"It appeals to shops and boutiques and exhibitors will find it useful as well. That's my target market as well."

It's all or nothing for Andrea, who is gambling everything on the product's success.

"It is my dream job - designing is what I want to do. I have gone into debt over this and I am putting everything into it. If I don't get customers within the next four months I can't carry on."

The mannequin, which can be transported flat and erected in seconds, is on show at Fareham's Display Centre now.