UNDERPRIVILEGED teenagers are being offered free prom gowns thanks to a charity project.

Junction 7, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has received 45 dresses of all shapes and sizes by generous donors just in time for prom season.

The charity set up the prom project to help those struggling financially after its secretary, Jane Johnson, realised the cost of sending a child to prom after her daughter's school event.

She said: "I realised how expensive prom was around the time my daughter had hers.

"I thought there would be people in the area unable to afford the dresses and unable to go to the event. We as volunteers really wanted to help.

“We have been overwhelmed with donations and support from the local community and would welcome anyone needing a dress to get in touch.

"We want to make a difference to the lives of people in Newton Aycliffe and would never turn anyone away needing a prom dress.

"The project has been so successful we have even received wedding dresses from the community."

The charity volunteers teamed up with schools including Greenfield Community College and Woodham Academy, in Newton Aycliffe, to launch the project.

Junction 7 used its social media page to gather dress donations and hopes the community's generosity will make a difference to youngsters in the area.

If you are a pupil from Greenfield Community College or Woodham Academy and would like a dress from the project, Junction 7 would encourage you to inform your school and they will be in touch.

The charity started out as a project from County Durham Tees Valley Rescue Mission – an organisation working to raise awareness of anti-human trafficking through talks and events.

Alongside the prom project, Junction 7 runs an emergency 24-hour food bank offering food, sanitary products, and clothes and has recently set up a school uniform project offering clothing to those in need.

The charity would like to continue its work and are inviting the community to a free family Easter lunch on Sunday, April 21, at 1pm at Neville Community Centre, in Newton Aycliffe.

  • You can contact Junction 7 for information or donate to the cause by emailing junc7tion@gmail.com or calling 07754 244547.