A fashion show in St Albans raised more than £2,000 for a HIV charity.

The Chloe James Lifestyle Fashion Show, held at Cote Restaurant in the High Street, donated its profits to The Crescent, a HIV charity.

The fashion show and raffle raised nearly £1,500 and ex-mayor Annie Brewster, who was one of the models on the night, added a further £1,000 to the total.

Iain Murtagh, project manager of the Crescent said: "This heart warming response from the people of St Albans clearly shows we are a caring and supportive City. It also demonstrates the power of independent retail, which not only creates a unique environment in St Albans, but also puts so much back into the community too.

"HIV is still a growing problem in the UK, and in particular in the Home Counties and London area. This wonderful donation will enable us to not only provide support for those affected, but also continue our work to prevent further spread of the virus and encourage regular testing for all."

There are over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK at the moment, over 1,000 of those in Hertfordshire, with the majority in the St Albans, Hatfield, Welwyn and Watford area.

Latest estimates from Public Health England indicate that there are over 20,000 people in the UK unaware that they are carrying the virus, and it is essential that these individuals are diagnosed, and provided with care at the earliest opportunity.