A DYSLEXIC teen has won an award to start her own business after dropping out of university.

Abigail Chamberlain, of Cowleaze, Magor, won first-place in the Tafflab business awards after pitching her idea to a board of six experts.

The 18-year-old, whose company does not yet have a name, won £500 to set up a Welsh-produce hamper business.

The win marks a u-turn in Miss Chamberlain’s plans for the future, who dropped out of a music degree in December, after only a few months, because of her dyslexia.

She said: “Young women can succeed in business despite the gender imbalance and anyone can achieve anything with dyslexia.

“I always struggled hugely academically and didn’t receive the best of grades but there are so many more opportunities.

“The money from the award is great, but the support will allow me to set my business up and make it successful.”

After dropping out of university, Miss Chamberlain completed a business course at Coleg Gwent, which gave her the opportunity to enter the competition.

Unlike other hampers, Miss Chamberlain’s will contain locally-produced items ranging from food to wool to traditional love spoons.

“I went in to the pitch and was worried because I have dyslexia and I know they were going to ask about finance and cash flow. I was completely honest and told them that I wasn’t sure,” she said.

“I want to use this to inspire young woman and close the gap with business owners. Everyone can do it and support is out there now.”

Hamper products will include Heartease drinks, Tregoes waffles, Drywtho olive oils, NOMNOM chocolate, Chantler farm teas, Aberffraw biscuits and Pendragon hot chocolate from business that support her.

Despite leaving education, the young entrepreneur still conducts a choir once a week in Chepstow and plays the flute to grade eight distinction.