A COUPLE who dress solely in vintage clothing were the runners up in a national style contest.

Frankie and Melanie Calland, from Howden-le-Wear, near Crook, County Durham, came second in the Mr and Miss Vintage UK competition at Twinwood Festival in Bedfordshire on Monday, August 25.

The couple, who live their lives in garments from the 1940s and 1950s, were selected from thousands of entrants from across the UK for a place in the finals.

And, on the day of the contest, they looked the epitome of elegance, despite camping out in their van the night before.

Mr Calland, 49, wore a grey New Yorker suit from 1948; while Mrs Calland, 47, looked equally glamorous in a Lilli Ann suit with co-ordinating accessories, including a bag she made herself.

She said: “I was quite nervous at first but I really enjoyed it. It was lovely meeting the other finalists and seeing all the clothes from the different eras.

“We had a fantastic time and the judges said it was very difficult decision.”

The couple received £100 each and vintage fabric vouchers.