A YOUNG entrepreneur got a taste for the limelight when she was nominated to attend the national Phoenix Fund Awards in London last week.

Maria Bradshaw , 22, of Burnley started The Suit Company almost a year ago after identifying a gap in the local market.

With the support of Burnley Enterprise, Maria set up her business in Manchester Road, Burnley, providing men's formal wear.

Supported through the Burnley Enterprise Women into Business Project which was funded by Phoenix, Maria was able to develop her business knowledge and skills.

Due to Maria's success at such a young age Burnley Enterprise nominated her for the Young Entrepreneur category.

The former Towneley High School pupil was treated to an all expenses paid trip to London on Thursday to attend the glamorous awards evening with Burnley Enterprise Business Support Manager, Debra Brown.

Maria said: "I feel so lucky to have been short listed for the awards. It was really unexpected but I am proud of my achievements.

"The evening has inspired me and I will definitely enter more competitions in the future and bring more awards back to Burnley."