A TEXTILE and fashion extravaganza to raise funds for the Monmouth Branch of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) has raised more than £2,000.

Monmouthshire designers Charles and Patricia Lester, who have dressed the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Streisand, showcased their clothes at The Rolls of Monmouth last Sunday (31st May).

The show featured a large number of clothes representing decades of the pair's commitment to and love of fashion.

Several celebrity costumes were modelled including pieces from the film The Wings of the Dove and operas performed at the Opera Holland Park.

Audience members 'ooed' and 'aahed' at the beauty of the outfits on show with many reaching out to feel the texture of the clothes.

Clare Tuggey, an organiser of the event, said: "We were honoured that the Charles and Patricia Lester Workshop should give their time and expertise to stage such a beautiful show for us.

"Everyone including the models had such a lovely time, and the whole day was a roaring success."

Key members of the lifeboat team were Mrs Tuggey, Sandi Gosden, Clarinda Collins and Sandra Harvey.

For more information about the RNLI and how to donate, visit: http://www.rnli.org">www.rnli.org

Pictures courtesy of Patrick Griffin.