A young Ashford shoe designer is set to fulfil his dream of launching his own shoes and trainers brand - if he can get investors to put money into his business.

Kudzi Synos is finally ready to launch his athletic and casual footwear brand KUDZ Footwear after spending a year perfecting his prototypes at support group Kent School for Creative Startups.

The budding designer hopes to raise £2,500 to get his designs into production using crowdfunding.

The young entrepreneur intends to get ahead of his competitors by creating quality designs that are comfortable, as well as by sourcing his materials from ethical providers who maintain healthy working conditions.

Mr Synos said: “KUDZ Footwear is something that has been a dream since my childhood when I started sketching shoe designs.

“I am an ambitious designer with hopes of putting a comfortable product out directly to the consumer.”

Ashford art graduate Mr Synos studied at Goldsmith University London before taking design masterclasses led by American fashion designers Marc Ecko and Staple Design.

He said it enabled him to identify the type of footwear which combines style, full support and durability.

The Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs have been providing Mr Synos with business mentoring support to get his ideas off the ground.

Director Paul Barron said: “Since meeting Kudzi last year he has come a long way and developed a good head for business.

“It’s great for us to help his dreams become a reality. I can see him becoming a success.”

Mr Synos aims to get his business off the ground with crowdfunding service Indiegogo, an online service where entrepreneurs can campaign for cash to get their business ideas off the ground.

His campaign has raised £1,000 out of a total target of £2,500.

To donate, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/kudz-footwear