STAFF from a hair and beauty salon gave up their day off yesterday to back a fundraising event in support of a cancer charity.

Stylists, hairdressers and beauticians from Reef Hair and Beauty, at Bannatyne's Health Club, in Durham City, played a key role helping models prepare for a fashion show, at Gosforth Park Hotel, in Newcastle, last night.

The event featured 14 novice models who have all either recovered from, or are receiving treatment for cancer.

Members of the Reef team spent the afternoon helping them look the part for the show, which adopted the "Grease" theme.

Reef partner Catherine Harland barely had time to watch the fruits of their labours at last night's show as she had to leave early to fly off on holiday to the Bahamas, having packed earlier.

Another partner in the business, Emma Sewell, said several members of the Reef team had family members who had either died from, or who have had to endure the threat of cancer.

"It's touched so many of the girls that it's something we're all happy to support," she said

"We did an event last year with the Macmillan charity and some of the Newcastle United players, which raised £63,000. I think it was because that went so well we were approached again about supporting the fashion show."

The Reef staff gave up their time yesterday despite being in the throes of setting up a second salon, which should open at Sunderland Health and Racquet Club, at Doxford International Business Park, next month.