HOT on the heels of the wedding that caught the world’s imagination, wedding gowns from the last 100 years are set to be showcased by one man who had a hand in creating one of the most iconic dresses ever seen.

Kevin Thornhill worked alongside designer duo David and Elizabeth Emmanuel to create Diana, the Princess of Wales’ wedding dress in 1981, and he will host a “fashion show with a difference” this week in a village church.

Mr Thornhill will tell the story of each of the original period pieces from the late 1800s through to the modern day as his models walk down the aisle of St Edwin’s Church, in High Coniscliffe, near Darlington.

Also on display will be his detailed copies of celebrity and royal wedding gowns, including those of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, married in 1973, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who wed in 2011, and the late Princess Margaret, who was married in 1960.

The church will be decorated as if a wedding was about to take place and wedding-inspired refreshments will be served following the showcase.

The Century of Wedding Gowns: A Fashion Show with a Difference event will begin at 7.15pm on Thursday, May 24, at the church off the The Green or A67.

Entry is £6 to include refreshments and proceeds to church funds.

For catering purposes, organisers of the fashion show have asked would-be guests to contact them to buy a ticket in advance or reserve a place.

For more information, or to book a ticket, call Carolyn Hardy on 07724-508299 or call Liz Steel on 01325-483592 or 07745-032255.