FIRST class graduate Caroline Hoyle hopes to be sitting pretty, after she rocked competition judges with her new chair design.

Caroline (22), of Byron Road, Greenmount, won a place in the final of the national "Bright New Things" awards, with her impressive rocking chair idea. In her bid to update the traditional design, Caroline came up with an eyecatching piece of furniture made out of metal and perspex.

Caroline, who designed the chair while working towards a degree in three dimensional design said: "It was marvellous to find out that I had been chosen for the final. I was trying to re-invent a traditional idea for a new era because the rocking chair is usually seen as an old fashioned wooden object.

"It is actually one of the most active ways to sit because it moves the ankles, knees and hips as well as the neck and spine."

The former St Gabriel's and Holy Cross pupil, graduated with a first class BA (Hons) from Manchester Metropolitan University earlier this summer. The final will be held at Earl's Court in London later this month but Caroline's idea has already attracted attention from design galleries in the capital.

And with £10,000 worth of prize money at stake Caroline is hoping for a comfortable start to her new business designing the chairs.

Caroline can be contacted on 07811 111628.