WOMEN from across the North-East enjoyed an exclusive preview yesterday of summer fashion collections.

The catwalk show was hosted by the Aria boutique as part of a major fundraising drive for The Rainbow Trust.

Ladies Day took place at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, and helped raise funds for the charity, which offers emotional and practical support to families with children who suffer life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

With the help of the fashion show, the trust hopes to reach its £3,000 target.

Luisa Minchella, of Aria, in Cleadon, near Sunderland, said: "Aria's catwalk show is not only a fantastic way to raise funds, but also means we can help increase awareness of the charity's valuable work across the region."

Models showed off a selection of the season's colourful designs.

The event was part of The Rainbow Trust's Appeal 2007 to raise £20m nationally over the next five years, with a £5m target in the North of England.

Linda Squire, of The Rainbow Trust, said: "We are extremely grateful for the continuing support from Aria, which is regularly involved in our fundraising activities.

"The fashion show in particular is a major attraction at Ladies Day and helps to encourage people to come along."