...hits the catwalk in aid of charity.

A WONDERFUL evening of fashion and beauty was held last month at the Heaves Hotel, near Levens Bridge. Hosted by Iain Johnston, chairman of the Winged Fellowship Trust, the evening served to raise money for the charity that provides short breaks and activity days for disabled, blind and partially sighted people, and their carers.

Iain led the evening with his repartee of wit and undeniable charm. The evening kicked off with a mini-makeover, performed by Emma Butterworth for Virgin Cosmetics. Emma provides an at home make-up party' service using the Virgin cosmetics collection where guests are free to try out the latest products under her guidance.

Model Zoe was cleansed, toned and given a natural, flawless look while Emma talked through her routine.

LA Fashions is owned by Lynne Armer, the little shop on Main Street, in Milnthorpe... so, you can imagine my surprise when, at the fashion show, the models paraded in a never-ending collection of outfits. The shop is surely a Tardis', such is the choice I saw on the evening. From designer Paul Separates I particularly liked the heavy crepe kick-hem skirt (£35), that made every model that wore it look her slimmest, the navy and lemon poppy skirt by Wendy' £30 ,and sleeveless blue flower print dress with matching lightweight wrap £45. The prices were incredible. Usually I can only dream of affording the beautiful pieces I see at the fashion shows I attend. These were real clothes for real people, worn by local ladies chosen to show off real figures... what a breath of fresh air.

Jackie Raven, who readers will have seen in a recent Looking Good makeover, having lost more than three stone, looked fabulous in both reverse ankle-length summer dresses that she wore (she has since bought them both). A wonderful idea, the lining has its own complementary print that shows through the dress, when reversed it's a softer version of itself, a completely different look.

Each dress has a matching wrap in the same lightweight summer fabric, picking up colours from both sides of the dress. Not only are they perfect for attending a wedding but they roll up easily for a holiday in the sun and, at only £45, you can wear the dress again, reversed, and no one will know you didn't buy two.

Models also included Dorothy Cannon, from Staveley, and her daughter Carol, both working hard with the quick changes needed to show off the vast collection of outfits. Carol made the clothes look ever more impressive with her sense of posture and poise.

The choice of clothes was outstanding, from cropped trousers and denim, soft jersey fabric, stripes and flower motif to sharp black and white and black and red contrast. Leisure suits, elegant summer dresses, combat pants, gilets and Fiorelli handbags - all designed to make the most of your figure with comfort a priority.

LA Fashions is a winner and the collection is excellent. I would advise anyone wanting to nip in to the shop to go now - before she realises just how low her prices are!

LA Fashions is at 2a Main Street, Milnthorpe, tel 015395-64135.

Details of the Winged Fellowship Trust are on 0207-833-2594 (www.wft.org.uk)