LITTLE Megan Bell found out what it was to be a star last night at The Northern Echo's Autumn/Winter Fashion Show.

The spotlight shone on the 22-month-old, from Seaham, and the five other children who were picked as winners in our Child Model 2000 competition, and they drew smiles and huge applause from the 500-strong audience . . . and some very proud mums and dads.

Dressed in clothes from Marks and Spencer, the catwalk kids - Megan, Liam Hoare and Olivia Brown, from Darlington, Bethany Carr from Spennymoor, Conor Russell, from Hartlepool, and Hollie Granger, from Stockton - joined professional models on stage at Darlington's Civic Theatre for the fashion extra-vaganza, which showcased some of the best design talent and retailers in the region. Hundreds of guests were treated to a preview of autumn-winter collections, bridalwear and lingerie.

And yes, you shall go to the ball this festive season; there were sequins and shimmer aplenty from Joseph M and Psyche for disco divas and special evenings out. Cold winter days were catered for with cosy sweaters and tweed skirts from Chestnut, and fleecy streetwise outfits from Adrenalin.

Winter white was a favourite for brides, with Rebecca Dina proving that brides still like a bit of froth on the big day.

The sponsors were Williamsons Motors, Peugeot dealers in Darlington, which took James Bond for its theme, and the show was compered by Steve and Sam, of Galaxy Radio.

Models in the show came from Catwalk Agency of Leeds, Toni and Guy did the models' hair, and staff from Darlington's CACI Beauty Oasis did the make-up.

Other local firms which took part included Buzz, Coco, Geoffrey Gillow, Pagan & McQuade, Petite, Kate Saint, Manhattan House, Middlesbrough Football Club, Binns, Psyche, Leggs, Tempo, Rise, Rebecca Dina, Adrenalin and the One Stop Scooter Shop.

Fashion show: www.echowoman.co.uk