A GLAMOROUS gang of Ardgowan Hospice staff and volunteers have highlighted the importance of the charity’s retail shops with a fantastic ‘live mannequin’ event.

The team strutted their stuff in a variety of outfits at the hospice’s Greenock store as part of Hospice UK’s annual ‘Hospice Shop Window Challenge’.

And Ardgowan’s top team of magnificent models have now been recognised for their efforts by the challenge’s organisers, who named them the best in the UK.

While all of the hospice’s local retail units took part in the challenge, it was their Greenock shop that caught Hospice UK’s judges’ eyes.

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Within minutes of the event starting, it was clear to staff that the mannequin event was a hit with shoppers, as a passer-by came in to try to buy a kilt modelled by staff member Ewan Boyle.

The 'live mannequin' event won the Ardgowan team a top prize from Hospice UK. (Image: Colette Cameron)

Gillian Maxwell, one of Ardgowan Hospice’s trustees, who took part in the event. Said: “The wonderful Ardgowan Hospice shops are so important for raising awareness and funds for the hospice. They are also an integral part of our local community.

“With Ardgowan Hospice shops in key areas of Inverclyde, the shops encourage people to support their local economy too.

“The hospice shops are absolute gems of Greenock and Gourock, priceless in Port Glasgow and kindness itself in Kilmacolm.

Hospice staff and volunteers dressed up for the event. (Image: Colette Cameron)

The live mannequins turned plenty of heads. (Image: Colette Cameron)

“Visit the shops regularly and you can repurpose beautiful items, grab a bargain and support Ardgowan Hospice.

“I love the opportunities that being a trustee of Ardgowan Hospice offers.

“Being part of this amazing, caring community is so fulfilling, and the clever people behind initiatives like this put every volunteer's time and talents to the most creative use. 

“People raise awareness and funds for the hospice in so many innovative ways and it’s great to get out of your comfort zone, be encouraged and feel empowered to be part of something completely different.

“Big congratulations to the retail and marketing team on another successful event.”

A kilt donned by Ewan Boyle caught the eye of one Greenock shopper. (Image: Colette Cameron)

Kat Garcias, Ardgowan Hospice’s cluster shop lead, added: “We were all delighted with how the event went, but to go on to also win Hospice UK's competition for the best window in the UK has been superb for a smaller charity like us.

“A huge thank you to Colette from our marketing team who masterminded this great idea and of course to the staff, volunteers and our trustee, Gillian, who all helped us execute it so well!

“We hope we have been able to highlight the fun, joy and fashion that can be found across our retail shops.”