A CHARITY shop in Weymouth is gearing up for a fashion show that will shine a spotlight on upcycled style.

The Sue Ryder store in Littlemoor is holding a fashion show at the Art Asylum gallery, based at Brewers Quay, on May 7.

As well as selling clothes, the event will feature a clothing design challenge and the store is looking for Weymouth residents to get creative and design their own outfits.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to visit the Littlemoor store's sister branch on Abbotsbury Road to pick up a bag of assorted clothing items for a five pound donation.

They are then asked to use those clothes to assemble a stylish outfit, which they will model on the catwalk at the show in May.

Participants can use only one additional garment other than what is provided in the bag.

Littlemoor store manager Andrea Gibbs said: "The design challenge will stretch the people of Weymouth’s imagination of how to transform clothes we would usually recycle into a wearable, fabulous outfit.

"We need people to become the next Alexander McQueen, showcase their talent and show what can be made out of what people may consider to be rubbish.

"All of the money we make will go towards incredible hospice care."

Sue Ryder is a hospice charity that provides care for people living with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer and Parkinson's.

Based in Suffolk, the charity has 400 stores across the country and benefits from more than 9,000 volunteers nationwide.

Andrea compared the Art Asylum venue to "a New York loft" and urged people to visit ahead of the event.

She said: "It is a local business which really does need support and we want to support as many local businesses as we can."

Alongside the fashion show, the Sue Ryder event will feature entertainment provided by burlesque performer Pearl la Peach, in keeping with the fashion theme of the evening.

Entries for the design challenge must be presented to the Sue Ryder shop on Abbotsbury Road no later than 5pm on Saturday, April 30.

Tickets for the event are available at a price of £5 from any Sue Ryder store in Weymouth or from the Art Asylum gallery.