AN ACCRINGTON seamstress has created a one-off masterpiece to raise money for charity.

Rachel White, 40, of Cornwall Avenue, Knuzden, has created this stunning Elizabethan-style gown to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Rachel, who co-owns The Sewing Room in Abbey Street, Accrington, with sister Lindsey Redmond, was inspired by a piece of 1970s Union Jack fabric.

She said: “I wanted to make a dress for the Queen’s visit for the window.

“I found the material in a drawer at home and was inspired by the flag. I thought it would be perfect for the occasion.”

Rachel will raffle the dress on June 2 to raise funds for Help For Heroes charity.

“To me the flag represents the amount of soldiers that died or were injured for their Queen and country,” she added.

The gown, which took nearly three days to make, includes a Union Jack boned corset with white lace trim, chiffon sleeves and red, white and blue ribbons and pearls.

On the bodice is a red rose and a dark blue flower, representing the Olympics, with a black middle, representing the beefeaters.

“I put it on and felt like a queen. It’s beautiful to wear.”

Raffle tickets cost £1, from the shop and Accrington market.