Last updated at 11:54, Wednesday, 09 April 2008

THE villagers of Kirkbampton got to dabble with the glitz and glamour of modelling in a sell-out fashion show this week.

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By Julie Armstrong

Around 200 people packed out the village hall for the show, featuring clothing from the Carlisle city centre store Hoopers, which saw ordinary adults, teenagers and toddlers reclaim the catwalk from the size zero models for the night.

And it all helped to raise cash for Kirkbampton’s church and the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

The music pounded, the hot strobe lights flashed, and from around the red curtain a white-haired woman stepped tentatively onto the catwalk.

The first steps were hesitant, but within minutes the rhythm took over. It was not long before even the men were poised with hands on hips.

Great cheers filled the hall as the audience’s neighbours glimmered in metallics, acid yellows and lime greens toned down with white or grey.

The ever-energetic Steven Wright – the only professional in sight – got the crowd clapping with his impressive fancy footwork.

Carlisle United’s footballers Simon Hackney, Peter Murphy and David Raven displayed the season’s pastel pink and beige tailoring.

But the stars of the show were undoubtedly the youngsters, who made modelling look like child’s play.

A little boy in blue burst in with a grin defying anyone not to have their spirits lifted.

Following in his footsteps, a girl in a rose and cream number toddled town clasping a bunny by its ear.

Spectator Lynn Anderson, of Durranhill, Carlisle, said: “We’ve had a brilliant time. We’re here to see Paul Hill. I work with him at the Cumberland Infirmary at A&E. I’ve told him to stick to his day job!”

Also among the models was Christine Lightfoot, 41, who said: “I just had a baby six months ago, so it’s a bit of a confidence boost.

“The practice was nerve-wracking, but on the night when you hear the crowd you get so fired up.”

The event was organised by Alison Hill, a resident of Kirkbampton.

She said: “I thought it was time to see real people on the catwalk instead of stick-thin models. I challenged Hoopers to see if they would take up the idea and they did.

“Everyone in the village was on a high, whether they were modelling or helping out behind the scenes. I’m really proud of how they all pulled together.”

The models had their make up done at Hoopers and hair at Toni & Guy.

Victoria Farley, general manager of Hoopers, said: “For some of them it’s like Jim’ll Fix It; this is what they’ve always dreamed of doing.

“There was such a great community spirit.”

n See tomorrow’s News & Star for the behind-the-scenes view on the show.

First published at 13:31, Friday, 14 March 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk