Prom perfection that won't break the bank

PROM dresses that don’t break the bank are being sought and provided by a high street shop.
Barnard Castle’s Teesdale Dress Agency, on Market Place, is entering its seventh year of offering affordable attire for school leavers.
The cultural change from school discos to end of year balls has brought higher costs to pupils and parents alike.
Shop manager Leah Hobson saw an opportunity to help.
She said: “We started doing it because there were some girls who couldn’t afford it.
“Some girls don’t want to be spending hundreds of pounds on a dress – we heard someone from Weardale spent £2,000 on one.
“Because we are an agency we sell on behalf of other people and people can keep money back towards driving lessons and things like that.”
Ms Hobson revealed how some pupils at Teesdale School began looking for their special outfit before Christmas.
She welcomed more casual browsers to come along and try on a variety of clothing.
“We’ve got them out ready for half term and some people leave it to the day before,” she said.
“Some cost £30 to £40 and if someone is struggling they just need to come and talk to me.
“Others can go up to £200 but we haven't anything costing more than that.”
Style advice is also on hand from staff.
“What we advise is girls try on different styles – we just get the girls to try the ones that suit their personalities,” added Ms Hobson.
“As long as they are happy and the parents are happy with the price.
“If girls want to play and try things on there’s a big selection – there’s not a lot of selling pressure.”
Dresses from former prom-goers are also being sought for the shop.
Ms Hobson added: “We will give it a try in the window and hopefully move it along to help make someone else gorgeous.”
To find out more, call the Dress Agency on 01833 695634 or go to www.teesdaledressagencycic.org