The son of world-famous fashion designer Laura Ashley has paid tribute to the "dream team" of mid Wales who made his mother's business a global success story.

To celebrate 70 years of the iconic brand, Nick Ashley said his family are "eternally grateful" to the people who made his mother's dream happen.

He paid tribute as a new quilt, made in the USA, was unveiled in Newtown to honour 70 years since Laura Ashley was founded.

"My mother used to freely admit that she owed all of her success to the people of mid Wales," he said in a letter read out at a special event in Newtown on International Women's Day (March 8).

OTHER NEWS:

"Let me qualify this dramatic statement: having tried but failed to get her business going in England, my mother moved back to Wales.

"There were not a lot of paid jobs for women in mid Wales back in the early 60s, my mother offered plenty of opportunity as she was designing and making sewn products.

"This was a winning formula, local women were flocking to Carno to join in the friendly working atmosphere, and the extra cash enabled them to be more in control of their own lives.

County Times:

"Working hours were dictated by the women themselves, a short working week, and outworker facilities during maternity, cut pieces of fabric and sewing machines were delivered to homes during early child raising.

"This two-way trust and respect was the very foundation of a working community, there is a deep tradition of this communal spirit in mid Wales that continues to this day.

"All my siblings have been raised here, and our children, it is a wonderful place where anything is possible, I am representing my mother when I say that we shall be eternally grateful to all the members of the dream team that grouped together and made it happen."

Laura Ashley Vice President Poppy Marshall Lawton, who is leading the brand's revival, unveiled an American-made quilt of the Welsh-born fashion designer alongside the High Sheriff of Powys Tom Jones at Newtown Library on International Women's Day (Wednesday, March 8).

"The quilt exhibition is the perfect celebration of craft and creation, a call back to the brands inspiring start up story," Poppy said.

"Our heritage inspires us daily, and it’s amazing to be able to share and celebrate it this year.”