A fashion store loved by celebrities such as X Factor's Cheryl Cole has won recognition for its commitment to animal welfare.

Brighton-based Neon Collective (www.neoncollective.com), founded by lifelong vegetarian Clare Childs, has been shortlisted in the small company category of the RSPCA's 2009 Good Business Awards.

The achievement marks a triumphant first year in business for the online store, which sells ranges from renowned vegan brands Matt & Nat, Charmoné, Novacas and Cri De, as well as being the only UK retailer for labels NeuAura, English Retreads and OlsenHaus.

X Factor judge Cheryl Cole was recently photographed wearing a pair of Sapphire shoes, created by Hove-based vegan designers Beyond Skin and sold by Neon.

Ms Childs, 34, of Golden Lane, Brighton, is delighted with the impact she has had in just a few months in business.

She said: “To be recognised by such a well respected charity like the RSPCA for making a difference to animal welfare is just overwhelming.

“I'm absolutely thrilled.”

Ms Childs set up Neon Collective after deciding that the clothes she wears should match her vegetarian beliefs and vowed to stop wearing leather.

Unfortunately she found her style options severely curtailed as a result so she scoured the world for top, ethically-minded fashion designers and pulled together ten of the best from Europe and the USA.

Ms Childs said: “I could never get the range I desired in one place, so I spent years tracking down individual designers who could supply me with gorgeous vegan shoes and bags.

“Friends were always asking where I got my accessories from, so it seemed a logical step to bring them all into one collection.”

As well as offering a range of handbags and accessories which are completely free of all animal-derived products, Neon also has ethical policies on pollution, recycling and packaging.

A former freelance music video and television editor, whose credits include fashion show Mary Queen of Shops and Top Of The Pops, Ms Childs' ambition is to open a range of Neon Collective stores.

She said: “I am very influenced by [Body Shop founder] Anita Roddick's success and would like Neon to do the same but with animal friendly fashion.

“I would love to have a presence in every high street in the UK one day.”