Brave women who took to the catwalk to strut their stuff despite suffering from breast cancer have spoken of their delight at being able to show there is 'life after cancer' by taking part in the fashion spectacular to raise awareness about the disease.

Last night 26 models, each at different stages in their own breast cancer journey, took to the stage at the OPEN venue on Bank Plain, Norwich, as part of a fashion spectacular organised by Keeping Abreast.

The show, presented by ITVs Becky Jago and Jonathan Wills, which also takes place tonight, featured designs from a number of local independent retailers, including Jarrolds, Love Coture, Catfish, Scarlet, Vanilla, Rock Collection and Philip Browne Menswear.

Dawn South, 48, from Mendham, near Harleston, who has had breast cancer twice, was one of the models who took part on the evening and said it was 'quite emotional'.

Tracey Cooke, 47, from Rocklands, near Attleborogh, said having cancer gives you a 'real respect for life' and an 'its one life live it' outlook which helped enable her to take part in the show.

Another model taking part in the show was Michelle Wright, 44, from Norwich who is currently battling breast cancer for a second time. She said she took part in the event to show people 'that there is life out there after cancer'.

Victoria White, national fundraising and development manager, said: 'For me its the best event that we do because its just a celebration of what the charity is all about.'

She added: 'It's incredible to be able to see the confidence they've regained in order to be able to do that.'