Models strut stuff on peace runway

A fashion, hair and beauty extravaganza provided a stylish start to Wolverhampton's Peace Week.

Up to 1,500 young people flocked to the city's Civic Hall last night for an evening of entertainment and a celebration of local creative talent.

The Civic was the venue for eight catwalk shows, which saw models show off high street brands as well as giving Wolverhampton's up-and-coming fashion designers a chance to show off their latest creations.

The charity, Engage Youth Empowerment Service (EYES) teamed up with Fa Show, a Wolverhampton creative management agency, to organise last night's event, which also featured a hair showcase, barber presentation and dance show. Design and fashion students from the University of Wolverhampton's School of Art and Design were also taking part in the event.

And the evening, which was compered by comedienne Sandra Bee, was topped off with a performance by Wolverhampton X Factor boy band 4Sure.

Among those taking to the catwalk in a fashion show was A-level student Sarah Starkey of Pendeford.

"It's the first time I've done any modelling and really pleased to be taking part in this event. I think it's a great thing for young people and it's a great chance for local designers to show off their creations," the 18-year-old said. Raichel Corbett, a student at the University of Wolverhampton, was modelling Asian fashions on the catwalk.

"It's a wonderful and very diverse evening," the 21-year-old from Whitmore Reans said. Organisers said the hair and fashion extravaganza was the start of a 10 day event of discussions, forums and events geared towards promoting peace.

"We were very pleased with the number of people the event attracted," said one of the show organisers, Duane Williams of Fa Show.