Tyre recycle plan wins trip to Africa for Blackburn woman (From Blackburn Citizen)

Tyre recycle plan wins trip to Africa for Blackburn woman

4:50pm Friday 15th February 2013 in News

A SOCIAL enterprise champion has put the wheels in motion for a promising career after turning old tyres into shelving.

Anaurite Vieira, 21, from Blackburn, has scooped a national prize and a trip to South Africa, thanks to her creative upcycling projects.

The interior design BA degree student, studying at the University Centre at Blackburn College, entered the ‘Coffeemat Challenge’ with the idea of creating interesting storage solutions by upcycling.

Anaurite’s winning concept of recycling old tyres and turning them into shelves landed her a trip to South Africa, and the opportunity to apply for a share of £13,000 worth of funding to get her idea off the ground.

She said: “I was so excited to find out I had won the trip to South Africa. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and I’m thrilled to be going. I’m going to use the trip as inspiration for my final end of year piece.

“My dream job is to be a celebrity interior designer, but I would also love to be a window dresser for luxury stores like Selfridges.” The College was one of six social enterprise pioneer colleges chosen by UnLtd as a pilot for the challenge.

Nick Hall, business engagement manager at the college, said: “We jumped at the chance to get involved in the Coffeemat Challenge. It seemed a really great way to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship to all our students.

“Anaurite’s idea showed real social ingenuity with a viable commercial aspect. I wish her all the very best in bringing her ideas to life.

“I want to thank everyone who entered the competition. We had some fantastic well thought out ideas which could offer real social impact and community benefit.”

Christine Kenyon, director of academic studies and progression, said: “I want to congratulate Anaurite on such an innovative idea, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”