AN event organised by an education trust hopes to ensure that no student in any of its schools is unable to go to prom due to not having anything to wear.

PROM.ED, a pre-loved, Prom wear service, is the brainchild of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (BWCET).

The trust’s team came up with the concept to ensure that no pupils miss out on their end of school celebrations because they do not have something suitable to wear.

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Complete with a pop-up shop on Saturday, April 22 at the trust’s new headquarters in Washington, PROM.ED enables final year students at its five secondary schools to browse and borrow from a range of beautiful dresses and sharp suits to wear to their Prom.

Items are loaned free but must be returned in the same excellent condition they are in when collected.

Barbara Reilly-O'Donnell, director of ethos at BWCET, said: “Prom is one of the most memorable occasions for young people and marks their transition from school days to the advent of adulthood.

"Many young people put a lot of thought into their Prom outfit and it can be an expensive event to prepare for.

“Sadly, we know that too many pupils are put off attending because of the expense of buying a fabulous dress or fashionable suit.

"Given that most Prom outfits will only be worn once, and with the rise in popularity of pre-loved and vintage clothing, offering a pre-loved Prom outfit service seemed an obvious solution.

“We would like to thank everyone for donating their dresses, suits and accessories.

"Many of the donations were high quality and expensive pieces of clothing. Yet people donated them willingly with such generosity.”

The trust hopes that former pupils and people in the local community will consider donating their Prom outfit for a school or sixth-form leaver to celebrate in.

They are looking for items suitable for 16-18 year olds, in any size or style, as long as items are in excellent condition.

In return, donors will enjoy the feel-good factor of knowing a young person can enjoy their night, have a bit more space in their wardrobe, and reusing clothing is better for the environment too.

The Trust’s five secondary schools are: Cardinal Hume Catholic School; St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College; St Leonard’s Catholic School; St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College; and St Thomas More Catholic School.

PROM.ED is opening 9am to 4pm this Saturday at BWCET HQ for students in the Trust secondary schools.

Information about donations, as well as booking requests to make an appointment at the shop, should be sent to promed@bwcet.com.