A FYLDE art student has been selected to show her work at an arts industry exhibition in London.

Caroline Murphy, 34, who lives in Singleton, graduates tomorrow (Friday) from her honours degree in pattern and crafts at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, producing beautifully sculpted and textured artwork.

Caroline, above, told The Citizen: "The next step for me is the show at the Islington Design Centre in London next week.

"Certain days are open to industry so you get people involved in the art industry coming, people from interior designers, and magazines. There are also two days open to the public."

Caroline is one of several up-and-coming arts graduates selected by the university to attend the exhibition.

"They select a number of people," she explained. "They have chosen work which would look good together."

But going to "the smoke" is not a new thing for Caroline. "I was a jewellery designer for ten years. I still do that, but not so much. I used to sell in St Martin-in-the-Field in London and in Manchester."

She also sang with a rock band in Blackpool for several years. "I suppose you could say that all the things I have done have been a form of art, whether it's been the jewellery or the singing. Now I want the challenge of doing something different."

Caroline plans to produce 2 and 3-D designs for interiors and gardens, and says her textured work could also be used in fashion and costume design.

For Caroline, just graduating is an achievement in itself. During her course, her father was killed in a road accident and she battled to keep going.

"I think it's just because I love my work so much. I threw everything into my work especially after my dad died. At one point I did feel like giving up, but he would have wanted me to carry on."

Her mother has also been a tower of strength. "She is really proud of me. My mum has been an incredibly strong character. She has been amazing through it all.