VISITORS to Blackburn Market may soon to be able to watch the creation of the intricate tutus worn by professional ballet dancers,

Stall holder Mandy Phillips, who owns Girlie Bits, began making colourful children's party versions of the skirt.

Then she made her first classical ballet tutu for her 13-year-old granddaughter Madison, to wear in dance competitions.

Now she has taken a one-week intensive course at Nottingham University teaches students how to create a specialised tutu base and bodice for classical ballet dancers and students.

Ms Phillips said: “Making classical tutus is a specialist skill, and the people trained to do it are few and far between. There were only six of us on the course, with one woman coming from Hong Kong to take the class.

“My granddaughter is one of the main reasons why I wanted to take the course. I wanted to be able to create the professional tutus for her to dance in.

“I’d love people on the market to be able to watch the skills involved and the work which goes in to making these costumes.”