A budding Barkingside designer has been praised by Leyton Orient FC chairman Barry Hearn for her business skills.

Ilford Recorder: Samantha Vaknin is congratulated on her efforts at the MATCH awards ceremony by Saint Francis Hospice trustee Neville Brown (left) and Barry HearnSamantha Vaknin is congratulated on her efforts at the MATCH awards ceremony by Saint Francis Hospice trustee Neville Brown (left) and Barry Hearn (Image: Archant)

Samantha Vaknin, a year 11 student at King Solomon High School, Forest Road, designed and printed her tie-dye T-shirts for the MATCH business challenge.

The competition, which raises money for St Francis Hospice, pits teams of students against each other from schools across Redbridge and Havering to sell their merchandise.

The 2012 competition raised more than £7,000.

Samantha was the only King Solomon representative remaining after her team mates dropped out but she took on the challenge alone.

Mr Hearn called her a “very determined young lady” and praised her initiative.

Her school will be entering four teams into this year’s challenge, which will also include Ilford County High and Seven Kings High.