BIN BAG-clad models raised more than eyebrows when they strutted their creations on the catwalk.

The fantastic fashions were paraded by a dozen guides at a fabulous fundraising fashion extravaganza recently.

The event, organised by 2nd Highams Park guide leader Janice Pettit and the guides, raised £250 for the Acorn Appeal.

Whipps Cross Hospital's Acorn Appeal, which is supported by Guardian Newspapers, will use the money towards providing home comforts for youngsters in the new children's unit.

All the exclusive designs on display at the fashion show at Winchester Road Methodist Church last Thursday were hand-made by the guides using a variety of plastic bin bags, toilet rolls and coloured serviettes.

Mrs Pettit said: "The show was brilliant.The girls chose a wide range of styles for all occasions including office wear, a ball gown, a hiking outfit complete with rucksack, a royal garden party, sportswear, beachwear plus sandals made from plastic bags, a bridesmaid outfit, the mother of the bride and, the finale, a bridal gown."

Mrs Pettit said the audience of around 60 people were amazed at the clothes, which were auctioned off for between £10 and £12 each at the after-show auction.

As well as the 12 models, aged from 10 to 14 years, around 20 other guides had a hand in making and fitting the costumes.

"All the fashions were created minutes before the show with the guides picking items almost at random from a pile of materials brought to the hall, " Mrs Pettit added.

"They decided to do something for the Acorn Appeal after reading about it in the paper."

If you would like to make a donation, cheques should be made payable to the Acorn Appeal and sent to Sarah Gudgeon, second floor maternity block, Whipps Cross Hospital, Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London E11 1NR. For more information telephone the fundraising office on 8535 6603.