Saddlemaker Helen is a favourite for top title (From Worcester News)

Saddlemaker Helen is a favourite for top title

2:27pm Monday 25th January 2010 in

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WORCESTERSHIRE saddler Helen Leedham has another award for her workshop wall. The 28-year-old from Cookley, near Kidderminster, has won the Midlands regional title of Best Traditional Business in the 2010 Countryside Alliance Awards.

It follows her success two years ago when she was chosen as one of the CA’s Shooting Stars helping to front a campaign that focused on young people who have bucked the trend of youth exodus from the countryside and developed their own businesses connected to the shooting industry.

Helen will now go forward to the CA Awards final in London in February when she will be up against 11 other regional winners for the national title.

Clare Rowson, chairman of the Midland regional judges, said: “Helen is obviously totally passionate about the skill and trade she has learnt and is one of only a few keeping the traditional craft alive in the UK.

“Helen has also branched out into the shooting industry and is now supplying customers in Europe with the most exquisite custom-made gun cases, cartridge bags and other beautiful hand-stitched finery.”

Helen, who grew up with horses and country sports, decided to make her career in saddlery and after completing a fine arts art degree at Bristol University set her sights on creating quality products for the saddlery and shooting industries.

She said: “I’ve used saddles and gun equipment all my life but I always thought designs could be improved, which is why I wanted to learn to make my own. It’s a tremendous honour to win the CA Midlands award and now I am looking forward to a great day out at the finals.”