NEWBY Bridge fashion designer Angy Morton proved she is blazing a trail in the fashion world when she set fire to a couture dress at Honister Slate Mines.

It was all part of the public launch of her Pyromania collection, to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Unit at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary.

“It represents Pyromania but symbolises hope,” said Mrs Morton. “I want to dedicate this dress to the fight against cancer.

"It never asks who you are, what you are and why, it just strikes, and touches all of us. To see it in young people is especially painful.”

The scorched dress will be exhibited tonight (Thursday) as part of an evening of fashion and fun in Newcastle.

For more information visit www.angymorton.com