Pupils strut their stuff at fashion show

31/10/2007

YOUNGSTERS took part in a glamorous fashion show to raise cash for new playground equipment.

Parents, teachers, and even a fashion expert, were at the show to watch 16 pupils from Whitburn Village Primary strut their stuff on the catwalk.

The special event was set up by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and raised £839 for a new trim trail for the pupils, and was compèred by local actor Darren Palmer.

A trim trail is a mini obstacle course and an alternative to an indoor gym which children can use during PE lessons or during breaks and lunchtimes, to improve fitness, balance and co-ordination.

Susan Graham, a PTA member and one of the organisers of the show, said: "We all had a fantastic evening, we had huge support from family and friends, and the children really enjoyed their modelling debut.

"We are now that little bit closer to acquiring a trim trail which will benefit all the children in the school.

"Most other schools have activity equipment for the children to play on and because ours doesn't, we thought we would do something about it and organise a fundraising event.

"Our school only has a big playing field but nothing activity wise to play on, so I'm sure the trim trail would be a great addition. It'll be great for their fitness and I think the kids will love it."

The trim trail activity set costs about £6,000 and the PTA are now halfway to their target.

Mrs Graham, 36, a project manager for Northumbrian Water, has two children at the school, Joseph, three, and Georgia, six, who was in the fashion event.

Mrs Graham is one of the members who has revitalised the PTA, and is wanting more parents to get involved.

Because the mother-of-two wanted it to be a success, she even got fashion student Rachel Meadows to come in and organise the clothes, music and layout of the show.

Before the show, the children – aged from four to 11, who modelled clothes from Debenhams and North Lizard Tack Shop, a riding shop in Lizard Lane, Marsden – were given water bottles to promote a healthy lifestyle, donated by Northumbrian Water – one of the many contributors.

Headteacher Enid Fairbrother said: "It was a really nice event which was well attended.

"The children were all very good and looked fabulous.

"The parents put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into the show and it went so well due to the hard work of the parents who organised it."

The full article contains 430 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Last Updated: 31 October 2007 7:45 AM

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