By ROBERT GIBSON

Published at 09:46, Friday, 12 March 2010

OVER 40 wedding dresses, representing a century of bridal fashion, will be modelled at St Mary Magdalene parish church in Prudhoe next Thursday.

The unique collection belongs to wedding dress designer Kevin Thornhill, who will be providing an expert commentary during the evening.

“The oldest dress belonged to my grandmother, and it’s 100 this year, while I designed the newest just a fortnight ago,” he said.

“The event will show the different styles that have been used over the years.

“Having said that, a lot dresses are now using the same materials that would have been used a century ago and some of the old styles are even beginning to repeat themselves.”

Kevin became interested in wedding dress design as a hobby before taking formal training at Manchester university.

Although employed with Durham County Council, he has created numerous gowns in his spare time - including a replica of Princess Diana’s - and had many donated to him by friends and family.

In the past seven years, he has raised £70,000 for charity by putting on such shows, at which his friends act as models.

“We usually get a lot of interest in it - I think ladies just really like to see wedding dresses,” said the Sunderland man.

“There’s also some interesting personal stories that go with these dresses.”

Tickets for the event, which begins at 7.30pm, are available at the church hall or the Prudhoe Info Point on Front Street. Alternatively, contact Jayne Metcalfe on (01661) 830963 or Joan Russell on (01661) 833101.

Wine and soft drinks will be served and all proceeds will go towards repairs to the church roof.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk