A group of inspirational women strutted down the catwalk in defiance of breast cancer in a special fashion show.

Twenty-six women, all of whom have been affected by the disease and have either had or are considering breast reconstruction surgery, took part in the show at the Open venue in Bank Plain, Norwich in aid of Keeping Abreast.

The charity, founded at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, supports women going through breast cancer and considering reconstruction surgery.

Aged from 25 to 66, the women were determined to turn their experiences into something positive. They modelled clothes and accessories from Norfolk stores including Love Couture, Vanilla, Philip Browne, Diva, Pure, Catfish – and even lingerie from Pollard & Read of Holt.

Other businesses, including The Galley Haircutters and make-up artist Louise Young also supported the event.

Victoria White, a trustee of the charity and its events and fundraising coordinator, said: 'The event is to promote breast cancer awareness and show that these women have new-found confidence. To see them with their faces lit up, looking great and full of confidence is just so rewarding.'

The show, which follows last year's successful event, will also be taking place tonight and the charity hopes it will raise a total of �10,000 over both evenings.

The show was compered by Anglia Tonight presenter Becky Jago, who lost her mother to breast cancer and is one of Keeping Abreast's patrons.

'They're a great bunch of people taking part. To turn something so negative into such a positive event is incredible. I'm full of admiration for them,' she said.