MORE than 250 people attended a charity fashion show organised by a teenage schoolgirl.

Hampshire Collegiate pupil Lauren Chamberlain staged the event in aid of the special baby care unit where she spent the first days of her life after being born premature.

Nearing her sixteenth birthday she decided it was time to give something back to the unit at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital and last Friday’s event raised more than £3,000 for the unit’s charity, Support for Sick Newborn and their Parents (SSNAP).

Fashions were modelled on the catwalk by HCS pupils who had been expertly choreographed by former catwalk model, and parent, Lisa Shaw.

The audience saw the latest collections from local retailers including: menswear from Bradbeers, ladies wear from Foxy Lady, Bergman & Brown and Bojangles, prom dresses from Tiffany’s, and outdoor and sporting wear from Mole Country Stores and Romsey Saddlery. Hair and make-up was provided by Paul Light Hair and Clarins.

The sports hall at HCS was transformed by Sirius Conference and Events who generously created a stage set and runway for this show, together with an audio visual display.

Raffle prizes and auction lots were donated by: Sarah Barrett Hairdressing, David Lloyd Southampton, Sakks Menswear, NEXT, Academy Studios, Hotel TerraVina, Southampton Football Club, The Royal Oak at Fritham, Pomp and Petals, and Rank Hovis among others.

Lisa Shaw paid tribute to the hard work of the pupils: “For several weeks prior they gave up lunch breaks, evening and precious weekend time to perfect some tricky routines and quick changes. I was very proud of all of them.”

Lauren’s mother, Gill Chamberlain, added: “All of the students involved worked really hard to ensure the show was a success. The models were supported by a fantastic group of people behind the scenes. It was a truly amazing night, together with Sirius Events, everybody involved worked really hard to ensure a smooth and professional extravaganza. It was a great team effort and a proud moment for us all.”

Lauren said: “I am so grateful for the support that I've received. The show was spectacular and we sold many more tickets than we expected.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone at HCS, the audience, the sponsors who kindly let us borrow the clothes and to those who donated raffle prizes. I think we may well have beaten the original target of £3,000, which will go directly to purchasing a vital piece of equipment for SSNAP.”