First free prom outfit event held in town

Students were able to choose from dozens of dresses, suits and accessories, all donated by local businesses

Students looking forward to their prom have attended an event offering free dresses and suits.

It was the first time charity Rainbow Services, with support from North Essex Support Team (NEST), had put on the event in Harlow.

Kelly Tarling, project lead at Rainbow Services, said it was about making sure parents did not get into debt, "and their child gets the prom outfit they would like and deserve".

All the outfits and accessories were donated by local residents.

Kelly Tarling said the event aimed to take pressure off parents at a time when many were struggling financially

"We've got a red carpet, a 'Say Yes to the Dress' sign and refreshments, it's an experience and just about making them feel special," said Ms Tarling, speaking at the event.

NEST helps people in the community by providing free goods, furniture and clothes.

Last year, it gave out more than 500 dresses and suits, hundreds of pairs of shoes, handbags and scarves for student proms.

Ms Tarling said reusing the donated outfits was also about the "environmental impact of reusing pre-loved garments - worn for literally for a few hours - at no cost".

Freya, with mum Gemma Beadle, found a blue tuxedo-style suit she planned to wear to her prom, because it made her feel "very, very confident"

Freya, 16, knew her ideal prom outfit when she arrived at the event.

"I wanted a blue suit and it makes me feel confident. I'd much rather wear a suit than a dress," she said.

Like many of her peers, she was looking forward to the prom so she could give school "a good send off".

Her mother Gemma Beadle was pleased they had found "the shirt, the tie, the suit and a nice waistcoat".

"I've already had three girls gone through [prom] and with nails, hair, professional make-up - for the girls it works out very, very expensive," she said.

Sophie admitted she "didn't have the highest of hopes" when she arrived at the event, but was surprised at the choice available

"I've tried on 15 dresses," said Sophie, 18, who realised the elegant nude and black-lace dress she tried on first was "the one".

"This prom is the last time I see quite a lot of people I've known for two years now and I feel it's a fun excuse to get dressed up, because we don't normally do that," she said.

Her mum, Stephanie Carey, said she looked "stunning" and, because this was Sophie's third prom, they attended the event because money was "tight at the moment".

Her first prom dress cost about £150 and extras like "shoes, bag, jewellery, you're paying for ticket" all added up, she said.

"I feel like it's the way forward - upcycling, recycling, swapping clothes, it's definitely helping everyone out," she said.

A large selection of dresses and other outfits were available