A Carlisle businesswoman is in the running for two national awards.

Vanessa Brown, owner of VL Aesthetics, has been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year at The Signature Awards, run by The Business Influencer magazine.

The 29-year-old health and beauty expert expressed her delight at being nominated.

She said: "I am thrilled to have received these nominations.

"If we go on and win it will be a big boost for the business and the local community.

"It’s not just about me - it is for everyone who works at VL Aesthetics which I am very proud to say started as a family business."

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Friday, September 27.

Ms Brown's career has seen her work as head of EMEA sales and marketing for Erchonia, a leading US health laser company, as well as founding VL Aesthetics, a multi-award-winning medical clinic.

She said: "As an advocate for safe procedures, I have dedicated my career to setting higher standards in the aesthetics industry, and being acknowledged for that makes this moment even more meaningful.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in the industry.”