WOMEN from the region who have beaten breast cancer were among catwalk models at a fashion show in London last night.

Paula Gent, from Hartlepool, and Lorraine Linacre, from Acklam, Middlesbrough, were among 20 former breast cancer patients who became models for the night in front of celebrities at the annual Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show.

The event, sponsored by Bhs, showed that women can, and do, look good after breast surgery.

Paula, who is a personal assistant, and Lorraine, a specialist vascular nurse, wore designer outfits at the Dorchester Hotel, in the capital, in front of an audience which included Geri Halliwell, Ulrika Jonsson and Anthea Turner.

The two said: "Although we were nervous about getting on the catwalk, it's also very exciting at the same time. We were really looking forward to showing women everywhere that it is possible to continue to look and feel good after breast cancer."

Ulrika Jonsson, who hosted the show, said: "The beauty, elegance and courage of the models who have all had breast cancer shows that there is life after breast cancer and gives a powerful and uplifting message of hope to anyone affected by the disease."