A TALK about underwear will be the highlight of an NSPCC fundraising lunch on Teesside.

Clergyman's wife and mother-of-seven Rosemary Hawthorne has written a book about the history of knickers which has proved so popular it is in its eighth print run.

She said: "I have done the ever popular knicker talk all over the British Isles. It's appeal never seems to pall.

My knickers and I have attended galas, conventions, anniversaries, coffee mornings, luncheons, teas, dinners without number and many ad hoc occasions. I love the fun of them all.

"What I do with old clothes is tell a story. This is a fine, rare and unusual entertainment - a mix of costume and social history - with a dash of cabaret."

Also on show at the lunch at Judges Country House Hotel, near Yarm, on May 14 will be fashion designs from Armani, MaxMara, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith and accessories from Lulu Guinness and Mulberry.

The fashion show is being held by The House store, in Yarm.

Tickets cost £35 each and include a reception drink and a three-course meal.

All funds raised will go towards the NSPCC's Full Stop Campaign, that works to prevent cruelty to children and to support child victims.