CATWALK BELLES: Girls at North Walsham High have made cash for their school prom and picked up a few tips on how to be belles of the ball by staging a fundraising fashion and beauty show.

CATWALK BELLES: Girls at North Walsham High have made cash for their school prom and picked up a few tips on how to be belles of the ball by staging a fundraising fashion and beauty show.

Local businesses stepped in to help pupils stage the event from scratch in just three weeks. They included Catherine Jewers, from Essence Bridal Wear in Bacton, who supplied dresses for the dozen Year 11 models.

The evening included three catwalk shows, a raffle and a solo by student Emily McLeod who sang a Britney Spears number.

Despite short notice, the show raised more than £200 which

will go towards hiring a huge chocolate fountain for the June 27 prom at Sprowston Manor Hotel.

Raffle prizes were donated by a range of local businesses, including the top prize of a prom dress of the winner's choice from Essence. It was won by the grandmother of Sarah Lacey, one of the student models.

Organisers hope the show will become an annual event and in future plan to stage it earlier in the year and attract a bigger audience.

They also thanked everyone involved, especially compere and assistant head teacher Dominic James, who had kept up an impressive and amusing running commentary on the girls and their dresses, despite being colour blind. Picture: SUBMITTED