Novice models donned some of the finest creations in the Oakham shop of Cancer Research UK on Wednesday evening last week to a packed audience at the Whipper-In Hotel.

Everything from winter woolies to glamorous gowns were shown off, with many of the models snapping up their own outfits.

Santa Claus made a special appearance plus there was a raffle and auction conducted by Jeff Dale of Oakham Auction Centre.

Shop volunteer Susie Iannantuoni, of Wenton Close, Cottesmore, was delighted £1,870 was raised for Cancer Research UK.

She said: "The whole show was absolutely brilliant and showed off perfectly how you can mix and match designer and high street pieces."
The next special event organised by volunteers will be a fun day at the Market Place shop, on Saturday, December 12.

Su Rura hosted a fashion show at the White Lion in Whissendine in memory of her older sister Charan Rura, from Leicester, who died of breast cancer last year.

Mrs Rura, who works at the pub as a kitchen manageress, enlisted the help of her friend Arunder Bhullar, who runs a boutique in Leicester, to provide outfits for the Rutland models to wear.

Mrs Rura, 47, who lives in Leicester, was thrilled to have raised £1,235 for a cancer charity.

She said: "We had lots of support from the village. Everyone who came along had been touched by cancer in some way so it was a beautiful evening which has raised a lot of money for charity.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported the evening and I'm looking forward to hosting another."

More than 100 guests went along to Barnsdale Lodge on Tuesday for a ladies lunch which included a champagne reception, lunch and Clarins beauty demonstrations. Raffle prizes were also donated by Wisbech company Top 2 Toe.

Guests on the day included president of the Rutland branch of Macmillan Cancer Support, Lady Maria Pridden, and secretary Trish Ruddle.

The event raised £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Barnsdale spokesman Sarah Eddison said: "It was the first time we organised a ladies day and it was a huge success.

"We are definitely hoping to make it an annual event."