Yes, you shall go to the ball!

The organisation will be holding a prom ‘shopping’ event this month for specially-invited teenagers, to pick out their outfits for the big occasion.

The idea has received great support from the Salvation Army church, and businesses and organisation in the area – including St Annes Rotary Club and Ultraclean dry cleaners on Talbot Road.

New and nearly-new evening dresses, ball-gowns and shoes have already been handed over for the event.

Wyn Allen, Salvation Army member, had seen the idea in action in California in the USA.

She said: “My granddaughter told me several of the pupils were unable to attend the prom night here due to being lower on economic spectrum.

“They were deeply disappointed, as it has become a highlight in their school programme.

“I mentioned this to the commanding officers of the Salvation Army Citadel, Raikes Parade, Majors Paul and Sandra Fisher, who have a great heart for the community.

“They were delighted with the idea of helping the younger people in the area to take part in this recognition occasion.

“We have had great support from people and organisations in the local area.

“The idea of the day is to invite young people – who have been nominated by their schools – to our special prom shopping event.

“They will be able to choose an evening dress, shoes, bags, jewellery and make-up, for the special prom night.

“We also have a small range of dinner jackets and suits for the boys.

“All these will be given to the young people as gifts.

“A refreshment buffet will also be saved during the day.

“If anyone has any new or nearly-new evening dresses, or ball-gowns, or dinner suits, shirts and shoes for the boys, they would like to donate, we would be very pleased to accept them.”

Items should be marked with a note reading Prom Night and handed in to the main reception desk, at the Salvation Army Citadel, Raikes Parade, before March 7.