Designer ties up special deal

The ties celebrate the FA's 10th anniversary

Football stars like David Beckham and Michael Owen will soon be wearing a new range of ties designed by a young Nottinghamshire woman.

Joanna Marshall, 26, who designs exclusive silk ties, has won the contract to supply the neckwear to the Football Association to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Premiership.

"I really enjoy watching football, especially the World Cup, and it will be really exciting to see David Beckham and Emile Heskey wearing my ties," she said.

Ms Marshall was helped by the Prince's Trust and has just returned from seeing her ties worn for the first time at a reception with Prince Charles.

Ms Marshall's ties cost about £50 each

"He is a very gentle and down-to-earth man and seemed really pleased to hear how the business was doing," Ms Marshall said.

Her business Yoyo Textiles started with a £5,000 loan and is now supplying High Street department stores.

Inspired by architecture from around the world, her designs are made from pure silk and mixes of silk linen and silk wool.

Her ties have featured abstracts of the Sydney Opera House, and other designs are based on the New York city skyline.

Her ties cost around £50 each.