Bargain hunters hit the catwalk; Charity shop chic wows the crowd.

Byline: MARK WELFORD

FIVE Teesside women from the worlds of business and media wowed an audience with their bargain buys during a charity fashion show.

The glamorous women, including ITV presenter Alex Watson and Gazette multi-media journalist Naomi Corrigan, were set a shopping challenge with a difference.

They were tasked with finding outfits for various occasions from Butterwick's own charity shops. Each amateur model paraded their choice on a catwalk in front of an enthusiastic, mostly female crowd of more than 300, who were asked to vote for the best.

The 'Walk This Way' night, held at Middlesbrough's Thistle Hotel, celebrated the 25th anniversary of Butterwick and raised cash for the hospice, which is based in Stockton and has shops in Teesside and County Durham.

The five taking part were given a pounds 30 budget, with the winner receiving a short break for two people at Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa.

The evening also included a fashion show by the Butterwick's own models of clothes available from their designer dress agency B~cause, and a demonstration by Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants.

Jayne Gibson, project manager with Cynergy Medical Marketing, was tasked with finding outfits for a business presentation and a day with the family at Flamingo Land.

The 26-year-old said: "It was a tough challenge but a fun one. It was just really interesting to see what was on offer. There's stuff that's new and hasn't been worn, which really shocked me."

Butterwick publicity and marketing manager, Jackie Leighton explained why she chose her five models: "They are leading media and business personalities and women like that enjoy a challenge.

"It's an interesting challenge for someone who would normally dress from a designer shop, to send them into the Butterwick charity shops to find the perfect outfit.

"They are all completely out of their comfort zones but they've done tremendously, I'm really grateful to all of them. It puts such a special tone on the evening having them here."

The eventual winner, taking nearly twice as many votes as her competitors was the Gazette's catwalk queen Naomi Corrigan.

For more pictures from the fashion show log on to gazettelive.co.uk

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STRUTTING THEIR STUFF: Wendy Smith, top left, winner Naomi Corrigan, above and Alex Watson, above right Pictures by IAN McINTYRE