Are you Kirklees’ next top model and designer?

Passion 4 Fashion Kirklees aims to help unemployed people gain skills, from clothing design and sewing to budgeting and teamwork, to help them find jobs or further training.

From Monday up to 80 people will start working with local designers to create their own catwalk outfit from recyled clothes on a budget of £20 per outfit.

Advisers from Jobcentre Plus, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and the Citizens Advice Bureau will also be there offering advice.

The project will culminate in a fantastic fashion show at Huddersfield Town Hall on April 26, opened by the Mayor of Kirklees Coun Eric Firth.

The new designers will model their creations to an audience of hundreds, and entertainment will be provided by groups from across the district.

Coun Jean Calvert, Cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Communities, said: “Passion 4 Fashion gives local people the chance to take part in something new and exciting – it’s not every day that you get to model in a fashion show!

“The participants will also gain skills which will stay with them in the long term and hopefully help them gain employment or training opportunities in the future.”

Groups working on the project include Connect Housing, Kirklees Council, Together Housing, Deighton and Brackenhall Initiative, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Sadeh Lok and Headrow Limited.

Places are still available at workshops running in Dewsbury and Batley. Anyone with an interest in fashion who is over 16 and currently out of work can get in touch with Valerie Wartelle, Kirklees Council Area Neighbourhood Team, on 01484 221709 or at [email protected]. No previous experience is needed.

The organisers are also still looking for volunteers to help support the participants as they create their outfits at workshops across Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley.

Anyone who can sew or help out in another way is encouraged to contact Ms Wartelle or for more information visit www.facebook.com/Passion4FashionKirklees