A JEWELLERY designer awarded an OBE has described it as the "icing on the cake" of a 44-year career in the industry.

Sheila Fleet left school with no qualifications at 15, but with a passion for art and design she gained entry to Edinburgh Art School and won a number of awards for her designs.

She has now been named as an OBE for services to her industry in the New Year Honours List.

The 67-year-old said: "I'm delighted, it's the icing on the cake. I'm very proud that someone took the time to nominate me for such a thing and I can't think who would have done – I'm gobsmacked."