Pictured above: Marc Richards

Port Vale footballer Marc Richards brought the Guildhall Shopping Centre to a virtual standstill by joining glamourous models on the catwalk to help a local children's hospice.

The striker's appearance was part of the Stafford centre's 'Dress Like The WAGs' event, which brought together retailers like Wallis, Evans and Store Twenty One to show shoppers how to dress like Victoria Beckham and Colleen Rooney on a budget.

Organisers reported a huge increase in visitor numbers, and this helped raise over £250 for the Donna Louise Hospice in Trentham.

The centre's Marketing and Promotions Manager Anne Graham said: "It was a great day with visitor numbers up 20% on the previous Saturday and 40% on the same Saturday last year.

"Retailers reported additional sales and interest in the items featured as a direct response to the event, and we raised over £250 for the Donna Louise Trust.

"We don't want to stop there though and have organised a Heroes' Day for Sunday 18th July, followed next month by a world record attempt for the number of people wearing wellies and doing the Conga.

"This is a serious record-breaking attempt so we're appealing to the people of Stafford to turn up in huge numbers and bring their wellies along."

The Heroes' Day features contributions and displays from Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, and the Air and Ground Aviation.

There may also by a fly-past from the Red Arrows.

Anne Graham said: "The Staffordshire Regiment, the Cadet Corps of the Grenadier Guards and Staffordshire Search and Rescue will all be on hand at the Heroes' Day.

"And there will also be some emergency vehicles and marching bands on show, and hopefully a fly-past by the Red Arrows although we can't confirm that until just before the day.

"The intention of the day is to showcase the fantastic work these organisations undertake, as well as raising public awareness and demonstrating career opportunities."