If the Boot Fits: Tora Haslum

Wet, ill-fitting boots are a thing of the past thanks to a design student from the University of Teesside.

BA (Hons) Industrial Design graduate Tora Haslum, 27, is from Bergen, Norway.

She decided to focus her final year project on women's boots after failing to find a comfortable fit.

Tora said: "I couldn't find a boot to fit me, either my legs were too skinny or too big.

My design has an extendable calf so the boots can fit anyone.

There's also the problem of what to do if the boot gets wet in the winter, so I've suggested anti-bacterial lining to remove the smell from wet or damp boots.

I really liked the project and have been in contact with two companies to get them interested in the design."

Tora enjoyed her three years at the University.

She said: "I always wanted to study in another country, to develop my languages and see other cultures. It's so different to back home. My computing and language skills have really improved and I know how to work realistically and under pressure."

"You also get a really nice welcome from the University's society for international students, Interlink.

It helps you to make friends from different countries."

Tora is now aiming to start her own business back in Norway, with Aina Moe, another Teesside design graduate.