A 'CATWALK Cabaret' in Peebles has raised almost £9,000 for the Eastgate Theatre.

The event took place earlier this month in the Hydro's ballroom to raise funds to help maintain the venue.

Catwalk Cabaret was originally an idea of Mo Anderson, dancer and volunteer at the British Heart Foundation shop on the High Street.

A spokesperson said: "The idea was to stage a fashion show, with additional music and entertainments, featuring costumes donated by local charity shops and available to buy at auction.

"Mo joined forces with dance tutor Alex Saunders along with a host of volunteers, and the fashion show became a glittering evening event with MC Stewart Wilson and fashion commentator Steven Lee introducing performances by local musicians.

"Colin Macdonald auctioned a range of donations (ranging from a hamper of champagne plus set of flutes, to a toy horse (actually the size of a miniature Shetland pony) and, of course, the wonderful outfits.

"In just this one evening the event raised £8,823.10. Catwalk Cabaret was the culmination of a major fundraising effort to help the Eastgate recover from the very difficult financial situation that emerged in the second half of last year.

"During the last nine months, the community, through individual donations (in person and online) and special fundraising events by many local organisations, has raised £86,346.

"This financial support will take the Eastgate Theatre, the Borders busiest, independent arts venue into its third decade.

"Each year it provides hundreds of opportunities for everyone to experience all sorts of arts from worldwide music to commercial films, from brilliant theatre to passionate speakers and to explore and enjoy their own creativity."