A Machynlleth shoemaker is celebrating after winning a top footwear industry award.

The footwear industry celebrated a new generation of emerging talent at the London Canal Museum, near Kings Cross.

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Award for Innovation went to Ruth Emily Davey of RED Shoes, Maengwyn Street.

She was awarded a £5,000 bursary aimed at developing a young designer’s business.

The award is sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and includes a 12-month mentoring programme by industry experts.

Col Nigel Easton, the senior warden of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, presented the award to Ruth.

“I am delighted to receive the award which will fund the training and equipment of new apprentices for RED Shoes,” said Ruth.

“The mentoring offered as part of the award will be invaluable over the coming year and I feel so honoured to have received such an accolade and the recognition from the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers.”

She added: “We are looking to expand the premises and the production of our shoes while maintaining the craftsmanship and quality that is at the heart of the business.

“We make custom-built shoes designed to fit the natural shape of your feet, they are built to last and to be repaired.

“I am currently busy training a local Welsh apprentice.”

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