MEMBERS of a musical theatre group from Thornbury have stepped out onto the catwalk for a special fashion show celebrating their 50th birthday.

The latest spring and summer line from retailer M&Co were on display as 13 members of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group, took turns to parade up and down the catwalk in store, modelling 65 different outfits in front of a crowd of 50 regulars to the shop.

While guests had the chance to buy the items they liked on show during the event on Tuesday night, a further £285 was raised for the group through tickets, raffle and refreshments.

The organisation, which began life in 1968 as the Thornbury Amateur Operatic Society with its maiden performance of Oklahoma are celebrating the landmark year and the show was one such way they decided to involve the public.

Show organiser, TMTG member Sue Smith said she pitched the idea for a display in the shop’s window, and staff turned around and suggested they host a fashion show in store.

“It was absolutely brilliant, lots of fun and went really well,” she said.

“It was great to have such a response from our members, and for so many to be there on the night.

“The models loved doing it and when I was speaking to the women in the audience when they were looking around the clothes they were buzzing, they really enjoyed it.

“People were queuing up at the tills to buy clothes long after the show finished.

“A massive thank you goes to M&Co for hosting us and coming up with the idea itself.

“We definitely want to run another one, it is just a case of getting committee approval to organise a second show.”

The group are set to hold a series of concerts on May 18-19 in the Armstrong Hall, celebrating their 50 years in the town, with a medley of musical hits entitled “Fabulous at 50!”

To find out more about Thornbury Muscial Theatre Group and their upcoming shows, visit tmtg.org.uk.