WHEN the Royal family unwrap their Christmas presents around the tree at Sandringham there is just a possibility that some of the special gifts will come from this area.

Prince Charles has been known to do a spot of early festive shopping at the Prince's Youth Business Trust Trade Fair, where, this year, the work of two local entrepreneurs is on show.

Lucy Butter, of Burnley, and Joanne Bancroft, of Nelson, will be at the fair for the Prince's visit to the NEC in Birmingham on September 9.

Lucy, who is 25, will have her range of T-shirts and accessories which she markets under the brand name of Lucy B Designs. She established the firm in January this year with help from the Prince's Business Trust after being unemployed for 6 months.

She said: "I will be exhibiting a range of good quality fashionable T-shirts, dresses and bags as well as my collection of hand-made greetings cards. My designs bring 1960's pop art into the 1990's fashion scene and can be worn on any occasion."

Ceramic artist Joanne, 25, set up her Zig Zag Studios last year after being unemployed for five years.

She said: "Each piece of work is individually made from white earthenware clay and hand-painted in vibrant colours. I make a whole range of products, from simple ceramics to huge one-off pieces."

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