Sunderland's catwalk stars stole the show at SAFC Foundations's annual fashion event, helping the club's registered charity bank £20,000 in a single evening.
Seven members of the first-team squad, including captain and Albanian international Lorik Cana, joined Olympic boxer Tony Jeffries on the catwalk for the 'Fashion Strikes' event, held in the Banqueting Suite at the Stadium of Light.
Hundreds of guests were on hand to see pro models help the Lads show off some of the latest styles, selected specially by Jesmond-based fashion guru Jules B.
The audience were also entertained by acclaimed act The Three Waiters as well as an acoustic set from the Black Cats' own Andy Reid before X Factor's Miss Frank wrapped things up with an exclusive performance.
Manager Steve Bruce was on the front row to see members of his squad put through their paces, while players who weren't involved in the show itself acted as ambassadors and mingled with guests throughout the evening.
The money will go towards helping the Foundation deliver community programmes across Sunderland, where they assist more than 30,000 children every single year. Over 95% of their project costs are met through fundraising and chief executive Lesley Spuhler was delighted the players threw their weight behind the project, saying:
"The event was a massive success and the entertainment on the night was outstanding. All credit to the players who really played their part and helped us to raise much needed funds."
The players seemed to enjoy it too. "It was great that the team could get involved in such a fun event and help support the community that supports them," quipped club captain Cana after coming off-stage.
Fellow model Anton Ferdinand added: "SAFC Foundation do a lot of good work helping families and young people in the region and to be able to help them means a lot to me. Obviously getting dressed up and walking the catwalk is a lot of fun too but it's all in a good cause."
The event was kindly supported by Twocan Design, Jules B clothing, Reds hair and beauty, Brakes, the R & B Group and Butterfly Blue. Click here to view an exclusive gallery from the show.
