A CAREER change gave Deborah Wilkinson the opportunity to showcase her creative flair - and now her fashions are attracting attention around the world.

Perhaps the greatest testimony to Deborah's style success is the invitation to potentially participate in one of the most prestigious catwalk events - New York Fashion Week.

So it's hardly surprising the mum-of-two from Bradford is currently buzzing with excitement as demand for her up and coming brand 'Fruitbats and Screwballs' gains momentum.

For Deborah it all began with her grandmother, May, 'a master seamstress' who taught her how to sew from a young age. Sewing and crafting is clearly in the genes.

Deborah recalls being taken around the best cloth halls and fabric shops in Leeds where she learned how to find top quality wools and textiles.

Following a brief spell of commercial sewing for SR Gent, and 15 years as a youth worker, Deborah decided it was time to follow her dream.

In 2015 she set up 'Fruitbats and Screwballs' - christened after a lightbulb moment while burning the midnight oil working on her stylish collection.

"The name derives from being up late one night and I had a bright idea, hence Fruitbats are nocturnal and cute and the screwball from light bulb screwball fitting," explains Deborah.

With a passion for knitting and crocheting and a penchant for wool, tartan and tweed, Deborah has been weaving her creative flair into a range of unique designs for her womenswear collection.

"I have always sewed, I have always been quite crafty," says Deborah.

She recalls how, after giving up her job, she began making handcrafted clothes. The alternative styling began to attract attention - and Deborah's styles were soon being noticed by some high profile people within the fashion world who, she says, have seen some of her creations on social media.

Ponchos, featuring her signature style with crocheted collars and swanky skirts are just a sample of the ethical range she creates from locally sourced materials. The use of natural fibres is indicative of her consciousness to reduce the environmental impact wherever possible.

"I am very much aware of the consumer culture so I have a really ethical background," says Deborah, referring to her 'personally sourced' fabrics.

"I know where they come from, they are kind to the skin and have a low carbon footprint."

Since its launch, Deborah's brand has been taken on by Leeds fashion co-operative, Fashion Pony. Her creations, aimed at the over 25s, are also on commission in boutiques in Leeds, Hebden Bridge and in Afflecks, Manchester.

Deborah also showcased her work on the catwalk at last year's Manchester Fashion Week, and Liverpool Fashion Week where her collections clearly made an impression after being featured in the '10 best moments of Liverpool Fashion Week.'

On March 18 she is participating in the Liverpool Lifestyle awards, and on March 23 she has a 'meet the designer' viewing event followed by Manchester Fashion show.

Testimony to her hard work and commitment she is also due to attend the small business awards in Liverpool in July after she was nominated for an award.

While conscious of the competitive nature of the fashion industry, Deborah isn't deterred. "I just ploughed on with what I was doing because I knew my stuff was unique and different and I was getting good feedback on social media so I got on with it," says Deborah.

She currently works alone at her sewing machine in a studio, but she is conscious as demand grows she may have to take on more staff.

"It's getting crazy!" she laughs.

The 50-year-old is also proving age is no barrier either. "'You're very brave' comes up a lot but I don't see it like that.

"I have totally re-invented myself. I had no prior qualifications in fashion and textiles. I've not been to university, it is a talent I have. I have always been crafty and used to make my own furnishings and I have always liked clothes," says Deborah.

Ponchos are among her popular ranges, "They are really turning heads," she says, referring also to the positive comments and attention she is attracting from high profile followers in the fashion world through social media.

But for Deborah, it's more than pursuing her dream and making use of the talents she has harboured throughout her life - she is proving that a career change is possible and age shouldn't hold you back.

"I really want to fly the flag for the older woman," says Deborah.

"A lot of people don't dare do it, but I say 'go for it. You aren't going to lose anything, you are going to empower yourself."

Deborah eventually hopes to start a mentor support group for adults who find themselves at a turning point in their career - whatever their age. She says people often need support and guidance, particularly from someone who encourages them to follow their dream. "I spent my last £200 on a sewing machine and material and started....

"Looking at this I can now see why people say 'you're brave.' I've got a very supportive family and friends who have helped me through times when it would have been easy to give up."

With the prospect of appearing at New York Fashion Week on the horizon, Deborah can't believe how far her brand has come in such a short time. Clearly she is enjoying the journey - and her family are too.

Her son, Jake Samuel Ibbetson, and daughter Cora Bryony Wilkinson are among her biggest fans. "My son is like 'wow' and my daughter is just buzzing," says Deborah.

And she also credits her partner for his support: "My partner has been very supportive. He says you have to keep going and it will pay off and it is starting to blossom," adds Deborah.

For more information visit fruitbatsandscrewballs.com. Photos of Deborah's collection have been kindly supplied by Andrew Holland Photography.