The borough that gave the world style icons Kate Moss, John Rocha and John Galliano, is counting down to the return of its annual fashion festival.

A host of stylish shows have been organised in April as Croydon celebrates its passion for fashion.

Ros Morgan, CEDC Director of Croydon BID and District Centre Management, said: “Croydon Fashion Festival is now in its third year.

"The free series of events have continued to attract large numbers of shoppers to the Town Centre.

“We’re hoping for more success this year in what should be a real festival of colour and excitement.”

As part of this year’s Croydon Fashion Festival, organisers Croydon BID are putting together a charity shop competition to discover emerging talent in the area.

Fashionistas with an eye for style are being asked to come up with the best front window display in a local charity shop.

Entrants will compete to see who can “dress” the best charity shop window in the Croydon using only what is in the store.

The competition will take place on April 12 and the prize will suit anyone who is serious about breaking into the fashion industry – experience working in House of Fraser’s Visual Merchandising department.

Deadline for entries is Monday April 5 and winners will be announced on the Croydon Fashion Festival website www.croydonfashionfestival.com, on Monday April 26.

Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres will be supporting the festival this year.

David Parham, Centrale Centre manager said: “Centrale Shopping Centre is looking forward to supporting the Fashion Festival this April.

"We plan to have a fun packed two day fashion event offering people the chance to discover new styles of fashion that they haven’t considered before or perhaps enhance their own style.”

Andrew Bauer, Whitgift Centre manager said: “There is a fantastic programme of events planned with some eye catching shows, demonstrations and exhibitions giving shoppers the opportunity to check out the latest looks, styles and trends in store.

"As Croydon’s’ centre for fashion for the past 40 years, the Whitgift is proud to host these innovative events that keep us at the forefront of fashions’ cutting edge.”

For further information and details about how to enter the Charity Shop Challenge contact Hayley Smith at hayley.smith@croydonedc.co.uk or call 0208 090 9182.