CATWALK OF COURAGE; FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA RAISES pounds 145,000.

Byline: LESLEY ROBERTS

THEY were nervous novices when they stepped on to the catwalk in front of hundreds of cheering fans.

But by the end of the night they were true supermodels.

Breast Cancer Care Scotland's annual fundraising fashion show was a sensational success.

The 19 models who took to the runway were all breast cancer veterans determined to show they were still standing.

And not just "standing". They were dancing and singing, posing and strutting, and generally having the time of their lives.

Model Angela Paterson, 42, of Renfrew, summed up the emotions of the night.

She said: "For me it's closure. can move on from breast cancer now. What a way to do it."

And fellow model Donna Marie Lindsay, 29, of Bothwell, Lanarkshire, added: "It was an incredible night. I'm so glad I did it."

More than 1000 guests had descended on Glasgow's Thistle Hotel to see the two shows - one at lunchtime then a gala evening performance - both sponsored by top jewellers, Swarovski.

The shows raised more than pounds 145,000 for the charity.

Hosted by TV presenter Kaye Adams, the dinner event had the crowd on their feet from start to finish.

Tennis ace Andy Murray had donated a signed racket and shirt to be auctioned along with a pair of tickets to next year's Queen's Club Championships in London. His mum, Judy, one of the charity's most dedicated supporters, was in the audience to see her son's star prize fetch pounds 1100.

She said: "This is my third time as a guest here. It's so inspiring."

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy was also among the guests.

He said: "This has been one of the highlights of the year for me."

Club and restaurant owner James Mortimer was so impressed by the models that he pledged to host a Christmas night out for them at his exclusive venue, 29.

River City actress Libby McArthur, who hosted the lunchtime show, said: "The models are so gorgeous and upbeat, you can't help but smile."

And Colin Graham, of Breast Cancer Care Scotland, added: "Their confidence, grace and sense of fun made the night the success it was."

CAPTION(S):

All white on the night:Model Donna Marie Lindsay, left, wowed the crowd in this sparkly creation. Right: Lunch show host Libby McArthur, centre in middle row, with all 19 Breast Cancer Care Scotland models Guests: Judy Murray, Jim Murphy and, right, host Kaye Adams guests: Judy Murray and Jim Murphy with host Kaye Adams, far right