AN arts degree has set a budding enterpreneur on the road to business success in her adopted city.

Laura Devaney, a former head girl at Norden High in Rishton, has not looked back since finishing a University of Cumbria BA course in drama and musical theatre.

The 21-year-old, along with her partner Cameron Martin, now run The Lounger Bar and nightclub Bomb Shelter, in the Cumbrian city's Botchergate. This all came before the creation of Dream It Events, a children's interactive character performance company.

She has been following in some well-trod footsteps - her mother Sue Devaney graduated from the same establishment with a HND in graphic design 30 years ago.

Laura said: "I didn't want to leave university and think ‘what next?’ and University of Cumbria has helped me develop the skills and confidence to do what I’m doing now.

“I can’t thank the university team enough, particularly tutors Jonathan Millican and Nick Butters at the Institute of the Arts. They are amazing and have been so supportive of me. There are no real words."

Her mum Sue, who was on hand to see her pick up her degree, added: "I've come back to Carlisle a few times since finishing here myself. It always feels like home. I stayed here in Carlisle after leaving uni and now I'm back often to see Laura.

"We've virtually lived in the same streets. It's been a real mirror image in a lot of ways. I'm immensely proud of her.”

Musical theatre lecturer Nick Butters said: "As an actor Laura is extremely talented and I'm so thrilled to see her go on enjoy success in this way."