THE two most prominent female figures in Bolton Council are swapping their day jobs for the catwalk.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Prentice Howarth and council leader Cllr Barbara Ronson have volunteered to take part in the Apna fashion show.

The pair will have a full make-over and take to the catwalk modelling Asian fashion at the event, which takes place at the Pack Horse Hotel, Bolton, on July 24 as part of the Apna Bazaar.

Organised by Apna News and supported by the Bolton Evening News, the fashion show will feature clothes from a variety of cultural backgrounds, modelled by men and women from every walk of life.

Cllr Howarth said: "I think it's important to take part in events like this as it helps others to realise that we are ordinary human beings who do other things like cleaning and ironing. It's just that we chose to go into politics as well.

"I'm looking forward to it - I'm game for anything, up to a point!"

Cllr Ronson said: "Sometimes Asian women can be a difficult group to reach, so by taking part I hope to break down some barriers.

"I like floaty clothes and Eastern and Western fashions seem to cross over a lot these days, so am looking forward to wearing the outfit. But I don't see me giving up the day job yet!"

Event organiser Azizah Musa said: "We are absolutely thrilled that both the leader of the council and the Mayor have agreed to take part in our fashion show. It adds a different dimension to the event and will certainly make it a memorable experience."

In addition to the fashion show, the Apna Bazaar will feature an exhibition hall, open from 10am until 4pm, offering henna body art, music, food, fashion stalls and accessories alongside stalls featuring local businesses and services. There will also be a careers corridor offering advice on careers, recruitment, training and volunteering.

The event culminates in a gala night, from 7pm, in which the Valuing Diversity Awards will be presented to individuals or organisations who have broken down cultural barriers and encouraged diversity in the town.

For further details on booking stalls and tickets contact Azizah Musa on 01204 365456 or email Drop a line...azizah@apnaonline.net.