Long gone are those flesh-coloured horror bras women had to put up with after a mastectomy. Here is the new generation of sexy post-op lingerie.

BREAST Cancer Awareness Month in October is always a fantastic focal point for an incredibly inspiring range of fundraising events and activities, in aid of Breast Cancer charities. It also helps to focuse attention on women who have experienced breast cancer and the different ways that it can affect their everyday lives.

After breast cancer surgery, the thought of going to buy a suitable mastectomy bra can seem like an incredibly disheartening experience.

Where once the underwear drawer would have been full of richly-decorated push-up bras and lacy lingerie, many women are still faced with dull bras.

But the last few years have seen an incredible revolution in mastectomy underwear, and now there are many different bras to choose from, to suit every taste and every aspect of dayto- day life and Woods of Morecambe has a wide selection of post-operative lingerie.

Styles range from seam-free Tshirt bras and multiway designs, to a sports bra. This specially-designed bra is a firm-support, cropped top with seamless microfibre pockets to fit the prosthesis in place. It is also ideal for after partial or restorative breast surgery. It is made of microfibre, which is light, soft and breathable.

It has a padded cup shell which can also conceal any shape irregularities.

The sports mastectomy bra is available in sizes 32A to 42D cup, at £36.52.

And for those who prefer their lingerie to be more sensuous, there is now a glamorous selection of bra, brief and thong sets in frothy pinks, rich chocolate brown, beiges and creams, as well as classic black and white, decorated with lavish embroidery and lace.

■ For further information, contact Woods of Morecambe on 01524- 840084 or woods-online.co.uk

YOU could experience the ride of your life this month and raise funds for charity in the process.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is holding its Big Zip across the River Tyne event on October 31. The charity has a hospice in Newcastle and provides care and support for patients with terminal cancer and their families.

There is a £10 registration fee for the Big Zip and entrants must raise £150 per person in sponsorship. Participants must be 16 or over and there is a weight restriction of 16 stone per person.

To sign up, please call Jane Dennison at Marie Curie on 0191-219-1234 or log on to mariecurie.org.uk/events

Pamper yourself for £5

IT’S only October, but many of us are already be worrying about what to wear for their big Christmas party... and how to fit into it comfortably.

Women in Shildon can now take an active step toward toning up for the festive season, thanks to Enhance Hair and Beauty salon in Church Street.

The salon, which has been established for 14 years, extended the beauty side of the business two months ago with a Genie slimming and toning machine as well as other sculpting and shaping treatments.

The salon is holding an open day on October 18 from 3pm where new and existing clients can try out treatments for a minimal fee of £5.

There will also be an introductory offer of £15 per Genie session.

To book a slot for the open day, please ring Linda or Fiona on 01388- 778558.

A chance to switch on lights

OUTLET shopping mall Dalton Park is looking for a North-East family to help switch on its Christmas lights and launch the festive celebrations.

The Christmas shopping season will officially kick off at Dalton Park on Saturday, October 24 at 3pm with the switch-on, a magical panto parade lead by Boogie Pete from CBeebies and a spectacular firework display at 6pm in the parkland. And so that shoppers have time to start looking for Christmas gifts, all shops at Dalton Park will be open until 7pm.

Santa then arrives at Dalton Park on Saturday, November 7, to take up residence in his new grotto, with parades down the mall at 11am and 2pm in his special sleigh pulled by real reindeer.

The Northern Echo has teamed up with Dalton Park and Hilton Gateshead Newcastle to offer one lucky family (two adults/two children under 14), the chance to switch on the Dalton Park Christmas lights and stay overnight at the Hilton hotel with family room breakfast and full use of the gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and spa.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the question below and send it, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number, to Switch On Competition, Features, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF. Closing date is Monday, October 19. All usual Newsquest competition rules apply.

Q: At what time will Dalton Park’s Christmas light get switched on?

■ The competition prize with hotel is only valid on October 24.