A CHARITY to help families of drug and alcohol abusers has raised £10,000 at its first fundraiser.

Models took to the catwalk in a children's and adults fashion show at a catwalk and cream tea' family day at Penn House in Penn Street.

Families of those helped by charity The Nicholas Mills Foundation, also known as DrugFAM, along with supporters were among those that turned out for a Bucks Fizz reception, tea party, auction, raffle and children's tombola held yesterday.

The charity was set up by Elizabeth Burton Philips, a Twyford mother who lost her son Nicholas to a drugs overdose.

She has attracted national attention by writing a book called Mum can you lend me twenty quid'.

Sheela Mackintosh, a trustee of the charity, said: "We set up a year ago particularly aimed at the people in Buckinghamshire because Bucks doesn't have any support for the families.

"She set up this charity because when she was going through it she didn't know what to do.

"We are listening by doing a survey with research. We are talking to families about what sort of help they are looking for. Based on these findings we will go to help these families specifically."

She added: "We were very pleased, everyone came and left with a smile on their faces but there was also a very serious message - there was a positive message from something very sad."