THE Borders branch of the Order of St John is stepping on to the catwalk to raise funds for local charities.

The charity, which dates back centuries, is holding a fashion show at St Mary’s School in Melrose on Tuesday, March 3, to show off clothes and accessories from Border shops, Good Going in Kelso, Inis in Galashiels, Hogarth in Melrose and David Thomson in Jedburgh.

“We have not branched out into the world of fashion before,” said St John’s Border Chairman, Alasdair Hutton, “but we exist to raise funds to help local charities with a medical connection and hope this will raise something extra to help organisations in the Borders.” In the past St John’s has given money to The Margaret Kerr unit at the BGH, Border Talking Newspaper, Berwickshire Wheels, and both Border Mountain Rescue Teams among other charities.

Kelso-based Alasdair, who has been the narrator of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the last 23 years, will present the show. “I have presented a Harris Tweed fashion show in New York,” he said, “but this will not be quite like the Tattoo.

“I hope folk will want to come and see what is in the spring and summer collections in the shops which are displaying and help local charities at the same time.” Tickets, which include a drink and canapés, are £10 and can be bought from the shops which are helping as well as St Mary’s School. The show will start at 7pm.