VETERANS and serving military personnel took to the catwalk to model clothes from Darlington fashion boutique Leggs while the audience heard about their bravery and determination despite having to overcome physical and mental injuries.

PHOTOS: Military men and women take to the catwalk

Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison held its third fashion show, sponsored by Leggs, Watkins-Wright, Ultrasound Disco and The Northern Echo – with editor Peter Barron acting as compere once again.

Husband and wife Tom and Lorna Hunter entered the event together because they wanted to give something back to the charity centre which has helped them both so much.

Mr Hunter suffers from dementia pugilistica as well as PTSD and Mrs Hunter is his full-time carer, and they regularly visit Phoenix House to take part in activities and give Mrs Hunter some much-needed respite.

Mr Hunter said: “I had the chance to go on a horse riding trip this week but I would rather do the fashion with Lorna because it is something we can do together – I can go horse riding any time.”

Mrs Hunter said she was so proud to see her husband take to the catwalk with such confidence and said their visits to Phoenix House had made a world of difference to him.

She said: “I am his full time carer so have to do a lot for him but when he is here he can talk to people with similar problems and he really comes out of his shell.

“It’s just amazing to see him modelling, I was so proud of him and what he has achieved.”

Another proud model was Kevin Holt, who was involved in the UK Army’s worst attack of the Afghanistan campaign when his battalion were hit by a chain of improvised exploding devises.

He said he was incredibly proud to have got up on the stage, as he suffers from PTSD after witnessing close friends and colleagues getting killed in the explosions.

Anna Kelton, 28, from Barnard Castle, is a former member of the Royal Marines Band Service and served in the Royal Navy.

She was injured in 2011 after a fall during a training exercise and fractured her ribs, but found afterwards that her legs no longer worked and was diagnosed with conversion disorder.

She said: “I have done some modelling before but years ago – coming to Phoenix House has really boosted my confidence as it was a real shock for me to have to use a wheelchair.

“But now I’m getting back into sport with wheelchair rugby and I hope taking part in the fashion show will help me get back to the gym.”

Chris Yates, a former Royal Engineer who was crushed by a lorry tailgate, took part for the first time and said he was terrified but enjoyed the experience.

“I couldn’t actually hear anything while I was up there – I was very nervous but it was great to do. The crowd were fantastic and so supportive, and it was amazing to see some guys up there who don’t have a lot of confidence.”