A Medway artist has won a national competition for jewellery design – with the winner announced live on television.

Sarina Morris, 29, of Cecil Road, Rochester, was nominated along with four other finalists from across the country after beating more than 200 other contestants to reach the final.

The work of the five designers was put to the public vote with the result being announced on the Jewellery Channel, a TV and website retailer.

Shock

Delighted Sarina said afterwards: “I did not want to watch the result as I did not know how it would go.

“They announced the final three in ascending order and, when I saw I wasn’t in third or second place I thought 'oh well’, but then they said I’d won.

“It was a bit of a shock to the system, a nice shock though. My husband William went out and bought some bubbly for us to celebrate.”

Sarina designed a small collection of three rings, two pairs of earrings and a pendant set for the competition, with judges from the jewellery trade narrowing down the competition to the final five entries. She has now won a contract with the channel and her winning designs will be manufactured and sold.

She added: “I’m very excited, I have always wanted to design for myself but to feel that other people are interested is brilliant.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me and watch this space.”