It is a beautiful memento that is often lovingly treasured for decades after the special day.The wedding dress - a permanent reminder of one of the most important days in any woman's life - is undoubtedly one of the least worn but most precious pieces in her wardrobe.

It is a beautiful memento that is often lovingly treasured for decades after the special day.

The wedding dress - a permanent reminder of one of the most important days in any woman's life - is undoubtedly one of the least worn but most precious pieces in her wardrobe.

While it may not be as grand as The Queen's bridal gown, which has gone on display at Buckingham Palace to celebrate her diamond anniversary, or Princess Diana's designer dress, it will always encapsulate a moment that can never be lived again.

Now, a local charity is hoping to persuade women to sacrifice their sentimental feelings for a piece of clothing they never wear, dust it down and hand it over for good.

The big ask from Big C, the cancer charity for Norfolk and Waveney, comes as it prepares for a fundraising wedding fayre at the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich.

It believes second hand wedding and bridesmaid dresses could be fit for future ceremonies and, most importantly, help fight a disease that can affect us all rather than lie untouched in attics and wardrobes.

Donated dresses, which can be in any style and either modern or antique, will be shown as a part of a fashion show during the fayre on October 21, with many also available to buy.

“I have had my wedding dress and all the accessories stored in the top of my wardrobe for 29 years and feel that it could actually raise funds for Big C,” said Sharon Hulbert, the charity's communications manager.

“I'm sure that there are many ladies out there who, like me, didn't want to throw their dresses out, but really didn't know what to do with them.

“Please donate you dresses to Big C and help us fight cancer and improve the lives of those in Norfolk and Waveney who are affected by the disease.”

Dresses and accessories can either be taken to Big C's Norwich charity shops in Castle Meadow or Timberhill, or collected from anywhere in the county.

For further information contact Tori on 01603 619900 or email enquiries@thebigcappeal.co.uk.