DRESSES have been donated in droves for those less fortunate.

The Promise It Forward scheme from Cumbria County Council aims to provide all young people with the opportunity to attend prom.

Some young people are unable to attend their prom due to the cost of suits or dresses, shoes and accessories.

Suzannah Gregson, Cumbria County Council Focus Family officer, said: “Prom has become a really big event. It’s a milestone of their time at school – we don’t want young people to feel they have to miss out on that.”

The scheme opens up a collection of donated prom items to those less fortunate at a series of events.

Lakes College West Cumbria at Lillyhall is hosting the first event today where 10 young people will pick out an outfit for their prom.

There will be more opportunities to choose outfits, with Lakes College next opening up for collections on February 25 and March 5.

Young people are given the chance to try outfits on and get a presentation from the team’s hair and beauty experts.

Suzannah said: “It is about the young people being able to choose an outfit that they are proud of.”

Young people are referred to the scheme by a member of staff at their school or by asking a parent to apply through the Focus Family Mailbox.

Libraries in Cumbria, including in Aspatria, Silloth and Wigton, have been used as drop-off points for prom items donated to the scheme. Volunteer Pamela Wilkinson said: “It’s been amazing what we have been given.”

West Cumbrian people have donated suits, dresses, perfumes, shoes and even jewellery.

Local businesses have also done their bit, Blush Bridal Boutique in Whitehaven gave their support.

The Andessa jewellery store in Cockermouth cleaned earrings for the the scheme free of charge.

Volunteers are looking to take the scheme further as a charity after the county council is involved.

Claire MacLeod volunteered her seamstress skills for any dresses that need altering.

Former police officer Shirley Murray coordinated drop-off points for the scheme.