Elaine MaslinA fledgling business creating and selling handmade wall art lightboxes has been given a boost by a group of Norwich firms.Elaine Maslin

A fledgling business creating and selling handmade wall art lightboxes has been given a boost by a group of Norwich firms.

Laura Garrow, 23, impressed the judges at the Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA) Brainchild contest with her contemporary, design-led products and understanding of her products' markets.

She creates a range of handmade wall art lightboxes, which span from affordable window hangings to bespoke LED-backed artwork.

Her prize was a fund worth about �5,000, including �750 cash and 20 hours of mentoring between six mentors from leading local businesses including Steeles Law, Barclays, Lovewell Blake, Farrows Design Agency and Selesti Web Design.

It is the second year the contest has run. It is designed to help students to progress their business concepts.

Second place went to a concept called KlubbClub - invented by two students who produce design-led products including clothing, bags and prints.

KlubbClub was rewarded with �250 and 10 hours of mentoring (equal to around �2,000).

Joanna Smalley, a solicitor in the disputes team at Steeles Law, judged the contest and will provide ongoing mentoring to the winners.

She said: 'Our firm has been involved in the Brainchild contest since it began last year and I was really impressed with how polished the applicants were and look forward to next year's entries.'