'Prom dress donations show community spirit'

A school has praised the community spirit behind donations of suits and dresses to pupils hoping to attend prom.

Erdington Academy in Birmingham held a free pop-up boutique in its main hall one evening after school in April, giving pupils the chance to browse available outfits.

The event was organised by the academy's parents and teachers support group, with more than 100 outfits donated from charity Madrina, which supports families by removing financial pressures associated with prom.

"Being able to give such beautiful donations, it just shows how much of a powerful impact we can make for the students when we all work together, said Samantha Logan from the school.

Donations were further boosted by contributions from staff at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, which has partnered with the school through the Birmingham Hospitality Project.

Logan said the event, now in its third year, was attended by both boys and girls from Year 11, hoping to attend their end-of-year prom on 24 June.

"With some of the students, when you speak to them about prom, they can be a bit hesitant about it," she explained.

"It's not because they don't want to come, it's more thinking about the pressure of being able to afford to."

She said pupils were excited to attend after finding their outfits, and some who entered a raffle had also won free prom nails and free lashes, after local businesses donated their services.

"It shows a lot about our community spirit and not just within our school but the the people we work with," she said.

"Watching their faces when they're able to get a dress is just beautiful."

Madrina founder Stephanie Lakin described turning the hall into a prom boutique as a "truly magical experience".

"The squeals of delight are something I wish we could bottle," she added.

"There is such a great buzz among pupils hyping each other up and complimenting each other."

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