LIFE is beginning to add up for a student who has battled a life-long struggle with numbers to develop her true talent within the arts.

Cleveland College of Art and Design student Lauren Vitty has been rewarded for her efforts after picking up the Principal’s Award for her work at the college's end of year summer show.

The 18-year-old, of Darlington, spotted the hidden benefits of upcycling, completing a final major project in how best to re-use a host of items, including making a clock from her mum’s Whitney Houston vinyl record.

“I struggled with maths from primary school and it really affected my confidence,” said the level three extended diploma graphic design student.

“I always enjoyed art and sketching and coming to CCAD has shone a new light on my life. It has helped boost my confidence and self-esteem and I was overwhelmed to pick up the top prize for my work.”

MissVitty will start a design degree course in York in September and hopes one day to be a freelance designer.

Her tutor Chris Beadle said: “She came here with just enough and has found it tough. But credit must go to her for always finding a way through and around her problems and I am really proud of what she has achieved.”