SPENDING up to £600 on a dress for a 16-year-old to wear just once is beyond the reach of more families than ever in the current climate.

Luckily for Winsford residents, it may not be necessary.

The Green Uniform and Baby Bank is holding a pre-loved prom shopping event where school leavers can go along and browse promwear for boys and girls, with a selection of dresses, suits, shoes and accessories in various styles and sizes.

The aim is to save families some money while promoting the sustainability of 'single wear' items of clothing purchased specifically for events like proms. 

On average, prom dresses cost between £200 and £600, but those on offer in Winsford tomorrow (March 18) will be capped at £30, even though many are new.

Northwich Guardian: Emma says about half the dresses they have on offer have never been wornEmma says about half the dresses they have on offer have never been worn (Image: Emma Ball)

Emma Ball, who runs the Green Uniform and Baby Bank, explained what they are trying to achieve.

“People put so much effort in which is understandable,” said Emma. "Leaving school and buying your prom dress is a rite of passage, and that’s how we want the event to feel.

“They’ll be canapes and drinks, and you can try on some lovely dresses, have your picture taken, and go home with something that makes you feel fab.

“We’ve got people coming in to dress the room; someone’s donating balloons; we’ll have a seamstress here who is going to do all the fittings for free; and we’ve got local hairdressers who have given us free vouchers to give out too.”

The event takes place on Saturday at the Green Uniform and Baby Bank, which is above the Very Green Grocery at the old Job Centre building in High Street, from 6pm to 8pm.

Emma added: “A lot of school-leaving age kids are very aware of environmental issues, so I hope they come to us first to see if we have anything they like, before they go out and buy new.

“About half of what we’ve got is new anyway. People either bought them in advance but changed their minds, or they were never worn because of lockdowns.

“If we can push the sustainability of them and get them worn more than once, it’s good for the environment, as well as people’s pockets.”