WORLD-renowned fashion designer Bruce Oldfield will help a group of style conscious teenagers create their dream looks for prom night.

Around a dozen pupils from Tudhoe Grange and Spennymoor Schools, in County Durham, will ditch off-the-rail evening dresses and suits in favour of their own creations.

Mr Oldfield, who was raised by his seamstress foster mother in the village of Hett, near Spennymoor, before he went on to hit stellar status in the fashion world, has agreed to mentor the scheme from afar.

Famous for his couture occasion wear and bridal gowns, he dresses some of the world’s most glamorous women from Hollywood actresses to royalty.

In December, he will meet with the young designers to discuss their ideas and impart advice - an opportunity many fashion students must long for - and they will tour his work rooms in London.

Wendy Minhinnett, the extended schools co-ordinator who is spearheading the project, said: “They are creating designs, attended a fashion show at New College Durham and the Vivienne Westwood exhibition at The Bowes Museum.

“They are so enthusiastic and really excited about the opportunity to have some input from Bruce Oldfield, they know how lucky they are.

“To have him as a distant mentor is a real honour and will hopefully help them create something special.

“One of the biggest things is about raising aspirations, no matter where you are from if you set your eyes on something it is achievable.”

With many families spending hundreds of pounds on hair and beauty treatments, opulent outfits and limousine rides so pupils can look and feel a million dollars on prom night, the project will also save them money.

Inspired by actor Colin Firth’s wife Livia, who wore a dress made of 11 vintage outfits to the Oscars, some of the youngsters hope to recycle old dresses by customising and restyling them.

The outfits will be revealed during an exhibition in May before been worn to prom in July.

The scheme is being backed by Spennymoor Area Action Partnership, one of 14 community forums set up by Durham County Council in 2009, and is supported by a youth worker, school staff and parents.

Keen for all of the hard work, new skills and enthusiasm to last beyond one prom night, organisers hope that the scheme can lead to a small enterprise.

But first they are appealing for donations of unwanted evening dresses and for anyone with dressmaking skills that could volunteer time to help make the outfits to contact Tudhoe Grange School on 01388-816050.