MORE than one hundred women swapped their old clothes at a Frock Market in Dorchester.

The Woman’s Action Network Dorset (WAND) organised the event that was held in the Corn Exchange to raise funds for next year’s Dorset Women’s Day and the Reclaim Night event.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, social and political achievements of women and the celebrations in Dorset are organised by WAND.

WAND spokesman Sue Bickle said the frock market was organised to help raise cash for next year’s Reclaim the Night while enabling women to spruce up their wardrobes.

She said: “WAND is a network of women supporting women.

“We’re there for support, fun, campaigning and celebrating women.”

She added: “We have around 500 members who are signed up to attend our bi-monthly meetings. We do these sorts of events to raise awareness of what we do and I hope the group will continue to grow.”

This is the fourth Frock Market organised by WAND and it is supported by West Dorset District Council and its community support team.

Emma Scott, community development worker for the district council, estimated more than 100 women attended the market.

She said: “It was really busy over the lunch time period with at least 100 women looking through the clothes by 2pm.

“We think it’s a really nice way for women to make a bit of extra cash out of the clothes that are at the back of their wardrobe but also save a bit of money for those looking to buy clothes. This is at the same time as raising awareness and support for a community cause that works on behalf of local women.” WAND member Janet Martin, 83, of Dorchester, had a stall at the Frock Market.

She said: “WAND is a good idea for all different kinds of women to get to know each other.”

Another seller at the frock market, Judy Thomson, 53, added: “I would support any organisation that supports women.” Charlotte Richman, 17, from Beaminster was at the event with her mum Rose.

She said: “We came here especially for this event and thought it was really good.

“On just the first stall I found three things that they’re selling in other high street shops for a lot more money.”

The next WAND annual general meeting will be held in the Borough Gardens Cottage on Wednesday, June 8.

For more information about WAND or WAND events, call Sue Bickle on 01305 252314 or email fantasticdorsetwomen@yahoo.co.uk or call Emma Scott on 01305 252204 or email e.scott@westdorset-dc.gov.uk Alternatively visit wandwomen.org.uk