A FASHION show that was put together in less than a month, has been hailed a success as it raised over £500 for a local charity.

When the Age UK Wyvern charity shop in Gloucester Road found itself with an abundance of prom dresses, which had only been used once, along with other evening dresses that also showed little sign of any wear, the staff had a brainstorming session, during which the idea of a fashion show was hatched.

Elaine George and Becky Wilks, who both volunteer at the shop, set about arranging the event and began recruiting volunteers to help them in their task and appealed for models to wear various items of clothing down the catwalk.

Elaine said: “We seem to have built up a lot prom dresses since last summer’s season and we would like these to go back out into the community to be used again.

“We thought having a fashion show would be a good way to show these dresses off, instead of just hanging on a rail in the shop, in time for this year’s prom season.”

The Ross Bowling Club hall was chosen as the venue with the models picking a variety of outfits to wear from the shop, but none of them had any previous experience of being involved in an event like this before.

Becky said after the show: “All the models were up for the challenge and by the end of it they had all performed well.

“All dresses were available to purchase afterwards, at affordable prices. We even raised in excess of £500 for the charity.

“Following this year’s success, we can learn from our mistakes and host a similar fashion show next year.”

Age UK Wyvern provides funding to provide crucial support services and activities to older people across the county, making a genuine difference to their lives.