STUDENTS are hoping to raise more than £12,000 for charity by strutting their stuff on the catwalk.

The annual fashion show by Durham University, normally held in the Students' Union, is taking place in the Gala Theatre for the first time this year.

Organised by six final year students, it boasts clothes by high profile designers like Jasper Conran, Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein, as well as those by local designer Linsey Mitchinson.

The event aims to raise money for Grandmas, a small charity offering support to families affected by HIV and Aids.

At an auction on the final night, invited guests will be able to bid for items like a Honda scooter, a week in a Spanish villa, and a day behind the scenes at Sky television.

Organiser Charlotte Harvey, 21, said it was attracting widespread interest. "We've got the Telegraph, the Financial Times and a couple of magazines like Harpers and Queen coming."

The show takes place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 24-26. Tickets, costing £7.50 and £10 for the first two nights and £20 for the last night, are available from the Gala box office on (0191) 332 4041.