CARS proved to be the stars as fashion combined with motoring in a glittering extravaganza for charity.

Hundreds of pounds were raised for a hospice after motor dealer Sherwoods transformed its Darlington showroom into a sparkling showcase of local designs.

The evening, which raised £630 for the town’s St Teresa’s Hospice, marked the launch of Vauxhall’s new hatchback, the Adam.

It shared the catwalk with models showing off the latest wears from men and women’s fashion boutique Leggs, Boudoir swimwear and Catherine Hart bespoke hats, with a hair demonstration by local salon Diva.

Guests were given the red carpet champagne treatment before the fashion show got under way with a vengeance.

There was also a ‘crack the safe’ competition to win an Adam worth £12,000, with profits going to St Teresa’s Hospice.

General manager Simon MacConachie said: “Every penny spent goes to St Teresa’s which is a fabulous cause and we were delighted with the final total.”

Owner of Skinnergate-based Leggs, Ann Coxon, added: “It was a fabulous evening and it is great for a number of Darlington businesses to come together like this; it’s great for the town and great for the charity.”

Anna Crawford, who runs Duke Street-based Diva, said: “I thought it was brilliant and it all worked fantastically well. It has provided an opportunity for a bit of glamorous exposure for everyone involved, while helping out a great charity.”

Milliner Catherine Hart added: “It was a lovely evening in which I was proud to be involved. St Teresa's is a very important place in Darlington and it is always wonderful to see it being supported so well.”