A FASHION entrepreneur returned to his roots to inspire the next generation of designers.

Red or Dead founder Wayne Hemingway MBE spoke to Blackburn College arts and fashion students about the importance of ‘seizing opportunities’ as part of their Global Enterprise Week.

Mr Hemingway talked about his journey from Blackburn, where he opened his first clothing shop in Town Hall Street with his partner Geraldine, to London and their move into fashion design.

He said: “When I was growing up art and design were seen as a subjects for thick people but the current crop of students are very lucky as people have changed the way they think about creative subjects.

“The creative industries contribute £50billion to the British economy.

“They are important to society and are about culture which bring happiness and improves the quality of life.

“I never had a day when I didn't want to go to work and students should seize opportunities, do what makes them stand out, get their marketing hook and never be afraid to fail as most successful people have had a number of false starts.

“I had no training, no experience and no fear when I started out and went with the flow.

“You should never underestimate bonding and making good relationships in life.

“People helped me along the way but I also went out talking to people and seized opportunities which came my way. I have had to make sacrifices such as giving up alcohol as in those early days I couldn't drink and then get up early for what we needed to do in the day, but it was worth it.”

He also spoke to promote the council’s 'Blackburn is Open' scheme which hopes to fill empty shops with up and coming creatives.

He said: “There are so many opportunities out there and it's up to people to do it themselves and make it happen.

“Blackburn with Darwen has 150,000 people and the most young people in Britain so students have the chance to make Blackburn sing again. It can be done.”