A HOBBY blossomed into a career for Lisa Sanders after she signed up for a jewellery course at Totton College.

She wanted to learn how to make her own necklaces and rings, but now her designs are being sold in prestige outlets all over the south - including London's Selfridges store.

Lisa's lucky break happened when one of her home-made creations was spotted by a member of staff in John Lewis. A short time later, Lisa was contacted by a buyer at the firm's head office, who booked a supply of her unique pieces.

Now Lisa's products - under the trade name Gioia Jewellery Designs - can be found in WestQuay in Southampton, Blue Water in Kent and Oxford Street in London, as well as local shops such as Twist of Romsey and Forme of Winchester.

Even Harrods are said to be taking an interest in the young designer from the New Forest.

Lisa is still stunned by her success. "I've been really surprised and flattered by the number of people who have stopped me in the street and remarked on the designs that I wear," she said.

"It's still hard to believe how far I've come when I only meant to make jewellery for my own pleasure." She said she owed a lot to the Totton College course. "I learnt how to solder silver and how to get over my fear of using a blowtorch!"

Now she plans to extend her business, based at Winchester, into designing handbags and belts.