ORGANISERS of a charity fashion show in Darlington have reason to feel uplifted as the £100,000 target for a heart scanner moves closer.

The British Heart Foundation has about two thirds of the sum needed for the machine that will give patients in Darlington a better chance of survival.

Fiona Turner, appeal manager, said: “The economic climate affects everybody and it’s been slower than expected, but we hope to complete by the end of June.”

The fashion show takes place on Wednesday at Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, at 7pm, with nurses from Darlington Memorial Hospital modelling clothes from local shops, including Kate Saint, Leggs and Cheeki.

Also on the catwalk will be 18- year-old Alexandra Ellis, of Newton Morrell, near Darlington ,who survived two heart operations.

Miss Ellis, who also recovered from MRSA, has become the face of British Heart Foundation campaigns.

She said: “There is nothing they are going to miss with this machine.

It is expensive, but it is stateof- the-art and it will save lives.”

Mrs Turner said it would make a huge difference to patients. “It gives better quality pictures and therefore a quicker diagnosis. Having one in Darlington will save people travelling to Newcastle or Middlesbrough,”

she said.

The fashion show will have stalls selling make-up, bags, jewellery and shoes. Tickets cost £7.50, including a complimentary drink.

They can be bought on the night, but call Mrs Turner on 07702- 726450 beforehand so arrangements can be made.