A BEDROOM hobby has blossomed into a leading beauty business for 20-year-old Becky Leigh.

And the transformation has led to the Melrose-based entrepreneur scooping the Best New Business title at the recent Borders Retail Awards.

Becky’s passion for makeup while she was still in school led to her enrolling on a short-term intensive diploma course in Newcastle.

On her return to the Borders she set up a studio in her family home's spare room.

After being recruited to provide editorial content for a major beauty brand’s Instagram page, and expanding her social media presence, Becky reached out to the Princes Trust for help in expanding her business.

Aged only 19, and with training and financial help from the Princes Trust, she moved into new premises.

From a spare room full of second-hand furniture to a professional beauty studio, Becky became the proud owner of Bexleigh Beauty at Priorwood House in Melrose in March.

Six months on business is booming and her success was rewarded with the Best New Business award, beating seven other short-listed companies, at the recent ceremony in Peebles.

Becky is now heading for the national finals in Glasgow.