STARS and stripes come to Abergavenny tomorrow when the town hosts an American themed charity fashion show.

The Welsh Warrior “Operation New York, New York” is expected to be one of the most glittering and glamorous fashion shows ever staged by the town.

The show will raise funds for The Richard Hunt Foundation - a charity set up in memory of the Abergavenny soldier who was the 200th soldier to lose his life while serving in Afghanistan last year.

The charity, set up by the soldier’s friends and family, helps Welsh service personnel and their families.

The fashion show, in The Angel Hotel’s ballroom, will feature clothing and jewellery supplied by local traders and modelled by 30 professional models.

This includes summer dresses, ball gowns, cocktail dresses, shoes and bags.

Speakers include Pte Hunt’s mother Hazel Hunt, Monmouth MP David Davies and president of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade, Susie Cernoch.

Mrs Hunt said: “For every soldier killed there is on average five soldiers wounded - many very badly injured. These brave lads and girls and their families need our help, love and respect in what they sacrifice so that we can enjoy an afternoon like this.

“I can assure you that Richard and all his mates would very much appreciate watching pretty girls in lovely clothes putting on a show, and by doing so raise awareness and funds for those who will need them the most.”

The event will also promote businesses in the town with a business exhibition on the day opened by Miss Wales.

The show takes place at the Cross Street hotel at 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £11 and are available from Vivienne Sharman-Lewis on 07881 756748.