A COLNE Valley girl became a stitching sensation at a national contest.

Nine-year-old Ellen Davis, of Yew Tree Lane, Slaithwaite, took part in the Festival of Quilts 2005 at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre.

She entered a quilt in the nine to 11 years category and took third prize.

She was awarded an electronic label maker from sponsors Brother.

Ellen's twin, Louisa, also entered the contest.

She did not win a prize, but had her work praised by judges.

Both girls, who go to Huddersfield Grammar School, had to make a quilt on the theme of Space and Time.

Ellen's entry was based on a dandelion clock and Louisa's was based around a timeline.

Ellen entered the festival for the first time last year in the five to eight years category. Then, she won first prize and was awarded a £1,000 sewing machine.

Ellen had entered the competition with her mum, Sue Davis, who submitted an entry in the student section of the contest.

Sue, who graduated from Bradford College last year with a degree in textile design, won her category in 2004.

She said: "Ellen is outshining me now! She's been stitching since she was six. When I started my degree she wanted to know what I was doing, so I let her have a go.

"Now she is very self-sufficient and has her own sewing machine.

"It is Ellen who has a stronger interest in stitching, but Louisa has been doing it for a while too.

"She was spurred on by Ellen's success last year and decided to enter the contest.

"I think they both did very well."

Sue plans to feature both her daughters' work alongside her own at an exhibition for the Fashion and Embroidery Show at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on October 7, 8 and 9.

Work by Sue, Ellen and Louisa will also be on show at Radiant Works on William Street in Huddersfield from November 18 to 20.

Radiant Works - where Sue is based - is a studio designed to help new artists.

The European Union provides its cash.

Radiant Works is planning a series of artistic workshops, including jewellery-making, toy-making and embroidery.

Sue will be leading machine embroidery workshops on September 24, November 12 and 26 as part of the programme.

Visit www.radiantworks.co.uk for more details.