Cherie Blair is allowing her wedding gown to be displayed on the catwalk to raise cash for a hospice.

The gala show in Durham City next month will feature wedding gowns from throughout the last century.

Dresses from 1868 to the present will be on the runway at the Three Tuns Hotel, on October 6, from 7.15pm, to raise money for Durham's St Cuthbert's Hospice.

The historical collection was started in 1982 by Kevin Hornhill when his grandmother died and a number of old family wedding gowns were discovered in her home.

Since then, a large number of gowns have been added from family and friends and from people donating unwanted wedding dresses to charity shops.

His collection now comprises 170 gowns dating from 1868 to the present day.

Now the Prime Minister's wife has loaned her wedding dress for the show, which will also feature an Elizabeth Emmanuel gown.

Kevin Hornhill, a wedding and ballgown designer for the Emmanuels, will compere the show. Tickets, costing £5, can be obtained on 0191-386 1170.