IT has been no ‘drag’ for an art student to turn his passion for clothing into a potential business.

Former drag queen Jay Scott has drawn on his 15 years’ experiences as a performer to inspire his coursework for a two-year contemporary fashion course at Blackburn College.

He came up with ideas for his garment after talking to other drag queens and noticing how they attached pieces or took off accessories to create a new outfit.

Now the 43-year-old is aiming to set up his own business making costumes for drag artistes as well as designing more conventional women’s wear.

Jay, formerly of Wilpshire, said: “I like the idea of being able to change the look of a garment by adding to it or taking away from it.

“It is great value for money, as you get five looks for the price of one.

“My outfit is based around a corset to which you can add a long skirt, short skirt or flared trousers, whatever you decide.”

Jay started his course after being made redundant from his job as a customer liaison officer at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

He hopes to complete a third year of study to gain a BA in contemporary fashion.

Jay said: “I am a firm believer things happen for a reason. When I was made redundant, I decided I never wanted to work in an office again. I have never looked back.”

Course leader Joanna Neil said: “Jay joined us wanting to pursue his ambition to make garments for the drag artist.

“We haven’t had anyone specialising in this area before but a strength of our course is that students acquire the technical, creative and business skills that enable them to apply what they have learnt to very diverse outcomes.”