Lucas Opalinski, a first year furniture design student from Chiltern University College, UK has won this year's winner of the Real Sheepskin Furniture/Furnishings Design Award at the New Designers Exhibition, held at the Business Design Centre, Islington. He was presented with a cheque for £1,000 and the College Plate for his University.

Mr Opalinski impressed the judges with his futuristic chair design "Purple Chill". The polished 1/2", purple sheepskin used in the design was supplied by Fenland Sheepskin, Bridgwater and the upholstery was manufactured by Easirider Company.

New Designers is an annual gathering of 2,000 young graduates from many disciplines from Gold Smithing, Textiles to Furniture Design.