COPIES of the Echo will be gracing a London catwalk as an innovative designer and loyal reader creates costumes from old editions.

Photographer Jaydee Niall, 55, from Pitsea, will be using her crafty gowns for a charity show, which will coincide with London Fashion Week.

It comes after the mother-of-three created a dress out of about 15 Echo newspapers which was modelled by her niece Darcey Denney.

Her theme is “gothic circus and freaky carnival”.

Miss Niall said: “I’ve made costumes before for photoshoots and I just came up with the idea of the newspaper dress.

“I like to do things that are elaborate and always think if you’re going to do something, go big.

“I always get the Echo and had a stack of about 15. I built up a netting tutu, then added a wire frame with a vest top attached.

“Then I started to build up the newspaper parts making flower petals, then a bustle for the back and then made the hat, it was just one thing after another.

“It became a little clown-like but I kept the make-up natural as I wanted an editorial-style feel.”

She said she’s so pleased with the results of the first newspaper outfit and wanted to make something that stands out. She also used a mannequin to create the look.

It took her about four days to create the striking piece.

She added: “I am a bit of a novice to fashion shows like this and have never had a collection before.

“I am nervous but also excited and will have ten models for the runway.

“They will all be in outfits made from old Echo newspapers and I am having a theme of gothic circus and freaky carnival.

“I’ve never done anything on this scale before and work better under pressure so I will start working on the outfits in August and September.”

Miss Niall will be showcasing her works at the Chabs fashion event in aid of Cancel Cancer Africa.

The event is set to be held in October but could change due to Covid.