Hundreds of designer clothes and high street labels were donated and sold at a special fashion party at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange.

The event took place on Sunday, November 19 and was organised by Dorchester Arts to help raise funds to keep the organisation 'at the heart of the town'.

Visitors were treated to performances from Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral as they browsed through the many coat hangers full of clothes, and shoes for sale.

Jacky Thorne, fundraising manager at Dorchester Arts, said the event was more than just a jumble sale.

She added: “We wanted to do something different. We thought people could donate their stuff to us and we could sell it on.

"It is a pre-loved women's clothing sale.

“We have been absolutely blown away with the stuff people have given us.

“All proceeds are going to Dorchester Arts so it can carry on being at the heart of the town.”

Ms Thorne explained that donations were even made by people living abroad.

She said: “We had a very big donation from a woman in Paris and we had to go across the channel to collect it. Luckily a volunteer kindly donated the cost of sending a van.”

Penny Treadwell, a trustee of Dorchester Arts, said the event will help to keep the organisation going.

“What this does is it brings in cash for the running costs of Dorchester Arts and it raises awareness about us as an organisation."

Visitors praised the event calling it ‘unusual’ and ‘exciting’

Fashion fan Pearl Jeff said: “It is lovely. I have really enjoyed myself and it is a little unusual to be able to come to something like this on a Sunday in Autumn.”

Fiona Person said “It has been very exciting. It is a great event and nice to have a coffee and some Prosecco.

“There are so many familiar faces here and everyone seems to be having a good time.”

Lara Moore added: “It has been great, well worth coming to. I heard about it on Facebook. I have bought two pairs of shoes and a skirt. They were reasonably priced as well.”

For more information about Dorchester Arts visit dorchesterarts.org.uk