A vodka bottle designed by a Carlisle teenager is set to appear in supermarkets across the country.

The limited edition bottle, representing gay pride and equality, was the creation of Luke Harding, of Botchergate.

He combined his interests of design and equality for a nationwide competition held by famous brand Smirnoff.

The 19-year-old, who will embark on a graphic design course at the University of Cumbria in September, beat hundreds of hopefuls to win the competition.

It will see his colourful design created and sold across the country.

He’s not sure when it’s set to make its way on to the shelves but he can’t wait to see it.

“It’s not going on a poster or anything. It’s actually going on a bottle and it’s going to be sold as well which is even better,” he said.

“People are actually going to hold the design in their hand.

“It’s pretty great to be honest. I didn’t expect it.

“Whenever work gets recognised it makes you feel good about what you’ve done and it does give you confidence to do it again for someone else or just to showcase your work.”

The competition was part of Smirnoff’s 16-year relationship with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Proceeds from sales will go to LGBT charity R U Coming Out. It also marked the company’s partnership with Digital Pride, an online LGBT event consisting of a week of events, videos and debates.

When it came to the design, Luke, a part-time employee at Sainsbury’s, researched gay pride and was looking at past events.

He was struck by the multi-coloured theme which he chose for the bottle, which includes the message: “Love who you are”.

“There’s a design on the front of the gender symbols linked together as one,” he said.

“I thought it was probably the best way to represent people as being together, no matter what sex and what their sexual orientation is.

“I’m 19 and in society nowadays it’s a lot more acceptable in my generation to be more open sexually.

“I’ve got quite a few friends who are openly gay and I really like to support people like that.”

Julie Bramham, Smirnoff director, was impressed with Luke’s design.

She said: “Choosing the winner has not been easy, however Luke’s design really stood out for us and we’re proud to be giving him the chance to showcase his talent. We are really looking forward to seeing this unique one-off bottle go on sale later this year and help raise money for charity.”