Design students based in Bradford proved they are a cut above the rest yesterday at a prestigious textile competition.

More than 500 entries were received from students at universities and colleges across Britain by the Bradford Textile Society, which runs the annual design seminar, a national event held to discover and promote talented up-and-coming design students.

Jon Wall, president of the Bradford Textile Society, was on the judging panel and was speaking at the award ceremony held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford.

He said the standard of entry to the competition was extremely high.

"I have been incredibly impressed by the standard of entry, it is very encouraging for the industry's future," said Mr Wall, a veteran of the textile industry who runs Wallass and company in Baildon, Shipley.

"It's great that Bradford's students have been recognised because I like to think that we are still home to the textile industry." Mr Wall said the competition was so important because it ensured a succession of people continued to go into work in the industry.

"If we can lift the profile of the industry with events such as this it will ensure people with the right talents succeed us in the industry and want to work in it," he said.

Bronwen Harlow-Daniel was among the prizewinners and took first prize for her knitted fabric design and second prize for her embroidered fabric.

The third year student at Bradford College said: "I got a commendation last year so I'm delighted to have won prizes this year.

"The awards are fantastic for my CV and I hope they will help to raise the profile of my work."

The 49-year-old from Harrogate won £650 in prize money.

The event, attended by more than 150 people, was sponsored by organisations including the Clothworkers' Foundation, the Wool Record and the British Textile Designers' Guild.

Gill Craven, chairman of the Bradford Textile Society and a lecturer at Bradford University who helped to organise the competition, said: "We have been incredibly lucky to receive the support we have from the sponsors of the event."

Jane Kay, also a student at Bradford College, received two commendations for her work on interior textiles.

The second year student used the concept of recycling selvedge material industry waste from leftover cloth.

"I used material wastage for all my designs to promote an environmental theme," she said.

e-mail: jennifer.sugden @bradford.newsquest.co.uk