A FASHION student, who is still studying towards her degree, is preparing to launch her own clothing line of unique children’s clothing.

Setting her aside from other leading retailers, 21-year-old Catherine Wattrus, of Amotherby, has created an ethical childrenswear brand – Baby Nini Childrenswear – made up of eco-friendly clothing using organic cotton, bamboo and hemp fibres.

The fashion student, who is currently on a gap year from the University of Leeds, has been able to set up the business thanks to funding from a Year in Enterprise Bursary from the university and is now preparing to launch her first range of basic jerseys next month.

She said: “My cousin had just had a baby so the idea came from there really and there is a big focus on being eco-friendly, which is something I am quite passionate about.

“Coming from Malton, which is quite a small area, being eco-friendly and sustainable clothing is not that well reached so this is sort of introducing it.”

The clothing is aimed at children from aged 0-5 years old and Catherine has done everything from the design process to even making the products as well.

She said: “It has been a lot of stuff to do but I am so glad it is finally here, it has been a long time coming and trying to organise things has been hard but it is really exciting.

“The launch in November will be a basic jersey range that people can wear over and over.”

The designer, who has one year left at university before completing her degree, has also launched a recycle and reward programme as part of the business.

She said: “Children grow out of clothes so quickly so we’re asking people to send them back to us once they have grown out of them. We will then give them 10 per cent off their next purchase as well and then we professionally clean and repackage it and sell it on again at a reduced price.

“When the item is bought again 10 per cent of the money goes to the charity of the month which for November will be Prostate Cancer.”

To find out more about Baby Nini and to buy any items when the first line launches in November visit babynini.co.uk