AN ARGUS reader has backed our 125th anniversary year by creating a dress from dusty old newspapers.

Drag artist, Lucy Fur, released a striking photo of the custom dress on social media as part of a photo project called ‘101 looks: My Big Fat Summer of Drag” which showcases a colourful selection of themed costumes.

The newspaper dress — by the 24-year-old from Newport — aims to raise awareness of environment and climate change, with the newspapers serving as a “statement” on recycling.

The creation process included three newspapers folded into fan shapes, with the middle section constructed from flat papers and tape.

The artist, who regularly performs in Cardiff, described the reaction to the project as “really positive” and her costumes include tributes to drag artist Lily Savage and TV show The Simpsons alongside horror-themed creations crackling with creativity.

Speaking about the inspired Argus dress, she said: “I'm very worried about the environment and climate change.

“The newspaper dress was kind of a statement on how we should all be doing as much as we can to recycle as much as we can.

“If I can make a stunning dress out of old newspapers then anything is possible”.

She added:“I saved up a few weeks worth but it was only about two or three papers to be honest.

“I use papers to make stuff all the time and I know what I'm doing with the material. This only took about half an hour.”

The artist, who grew up in Cwmbran, said she was backing our 125 Anniversary and chose us over a national paper because of the “importance” of regional media.

“I think it's important to represent your local community, support it and be proud of it,” she said.

“The Argus is important because it's providing local stories, things that are happening right on your doorstep.

“Local papers are not as profit driven as national papers so they don’t sensationalise as much.

“It's a window into the local community and a way to see the important events going on in this area.”

As part of the ‘101 Looks Project’, the artist has also created an inspired costumed based on Deputy Leader of the Wales Green Party, Pippa Bartolotti, to reflect her environmental views.

For more information on the artist, search ‘Lucy Fur’ on Facebook.

To see her ‘101 Looks: Summer of Drag' project pictures, visit her Instagram page: www.instagram.com/thelucyfurr/