Beauty abounded on Friday for the third annual St Albans Fashion Week (SAFW) cathedral catwalk show.

It was great to see models of all ages, shapes and sizes strut their stuff, wearing outfits from local independent and national retailers.

The show opened with an eye-catching series of outfits from new Hitchin boutique Graceland, owned by television personality Grace Woodward.

The collection by Elle's Preloved was also a favourite with ladies swishing down the runway in '50s style dresses complete with frothy petticoats.

The biggest cheer of the night was for the Cancer Research UK outfits styled by Harpenden fundraiser Caroline Jones who led out the collection dressed in a fabulous mermaid green skirt and salmon pink shirt with punky quiff.

The second half began with four bridalwear collections including some very sharp menswear from Waterers and some gorgeous floral headpieces from Betty & Bear.

Whacky and risque seemed to be the theme for the student designer outfits with perspex panels and bottom-flashing shorts. The menswear collection featuring clever use of Harris Tweed by graduate designer Joanna Latarska was a highlight for me.

The show wrapped up with a fun trio of trend collections featuring checks, boho chic and ladylike debutante outfits.

Last year the show suffered a large hitch with its seating plan but this year third time was definitely a charm and proved SAFW is definitely going from strength to strength.