FIFTY-TWO contestants of all genders aged between 14 months and 61 years old competed in Lakeside's Catwalk Model 2022, a charity catwalk pageant where they took part in three different rounds and a number of different charities were supported.

£521 was raised for the Lance Corporal Nicky Mason Memorial Fund, a charity set up in memory of local soldier from Aveley Nicky Mason who was killed in action in Afghanistan by his family to support a number of good causes in his memory.

761 items (equating to just under 1/3 of a tonne) of food was raised for the Thurrock Foodbank, with a further 137.2kg being added after the event which amounted to just below 1/2 a tonne of food being donated in total.

A large number of brand new items such as stationery, toys, games, dolls, clothing, art and craft items and much more are also being donated to the Willow Ward at Darent Valley Hospital.

Directors of the pageant Courtney-Lee (pictured) and Wendy Collins would like to say a massive thank you and well done to all of the contestants on the day and added they are so proud of what they managed to collect for extremely worthy causes.

If you are interested in taking part in the next event Lakeside's Supreme King & Queen in October, contact Courtney-Lee and Wendy on 07703412016.