By James Johnson

Last updated at 11:49, Monday, 01 October 2012

A car boot sale got a flamboyant guest to help spark interest and raise money for charity.

Sales organiser Angela Wilson, left, with Thelma Madine and the dress

The sale, held at Egremont on Saturday, was given a boost by the presence of Thelma Madine, who is know for designing extravagant and sparking dresses in Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Madine even donated a dress worth £6,000 and told organisers they could auction it off at their next event.

The sale’s organiser Angela Wilson has recently paid for two mistreated greyhounds from the Spanish Baasgalgo Association, and organised the event to raise cash – £1,100 in total.

She said: “The dress is stunning.

“I was gobsmacked and we will be auctioning it off.

“It’s probably the nicest one I have seen around here.

“I was very surprised and pleased about how much money we raised.”

Madine heard about the sale through a friend and donated six of her book Tales of the Gypsy Dressmaker to be raffled.

She also brought along a dress to display at the event and at the end told organisers they could auction it off.

It was put together on the stage behind closed curtains and they were then drawn back to show gathered crowds the pink dress.

Madine, originally from Liverpool, credits her understanding of what people want in clothing to four months she spent in prison after being convicted of benefit fraud.

The event was held at Egremont Market Hall.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 01 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk