ORGANISERS hope that Wokingham may be mistaken for Milan from Thursday when a fashion extravaganza arrives in town.

A fashion show in the Town Hall on Thursday, May 23, will kick-start the first major initiative of the Wokingham Town Team - Wokingham Fashion Week.

The town team, which was set up last November, received �10,000 as part of the Mary Portas fund to help rejuvenate ailing town centres.

Georgina Hustler, owner of Antique Rose in Bush Walk, and Jen Martin, manager of M&Co in Market Place, believe the event will showcase the town in a glamorous light.

Ms Hustler said: "An afternoon looking for a dress in the town centre made me realise how much Wokingham has to offer. "We wanted to create an event designed specifically to put the spotlight on local fashion retailers. Our aim is to inspire local women to how fabulous fashion is on the high street." At the fashion show next Thursday - a ticketed event - models will parade the catwalk with outfits from a range of town centre clothes and jewellery stores.

Traders taking part include Antique Rose, Rococco, Barbara Easton, M&Co, Fat Face, Dolls House Boutique, Kaanaanmaa & Mishyboo.

Other town retailers involved in the night include set stage company Congo Blue, Giggling Spring which is providing the canapes, and The Retreat beauty salon.

Ms Hustler said: "It's amazing how many experienced and talented people have stepped forward to help and the sense of community has been mind blowing." Wokingham Fashion Week will run from Thursday, May 23, until Sunday June 2. During this time, the shops involved in the fashion show will be offering discount cards giving exclusive special offers to customers. As well as these stores, the cards will also be available at Wokingham Information Centre.

Tickets for Thursday's fashion show cost �10, which includes canapes and fizz, and can be bought in advance from Antique Rose. The show begins at 7pm For more information and to find out who will be participating in the event, visit www.facebook.com/ WokinghamTownTalk