The glamorous days of 1950s Brighton and Hove have been recalled by a former model.

Shirley July looked back on her youth after reading an article about the Vogue School, Hove.

Mrs July was a fashion store mannequin and a Brighton Promette publicity girl.

Mannequins used to walk through store restaurants, often three times a day, modelling the latest ranges.

Former Hove County Grammar School girl Mrs July, now 73, worked at Hills, in Western Road, Hove.

Mannequins were also employed by Hanningtons, Brighton, and Hubbards, which is today Debenhams, and Bentalls, which is today Beales, in South Street, Worthing.

Before the catwalk beckoned Mrs July went to the Vogue School, where she learned to walk, sit and talk properly.

Exercises included walking across a room with a book balanced on her head.

As a Promette, Mrs July and a pal, in official uniforms, used to walk along Brighton promenade dispensing information to tourists.

A budding beauty queen, who got to the finals of the Miss South of England contest, she was Miss 1954 at the New Year's Ball held at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton.

Mrs July's modelling career came to an end after she got married at St Andrew's Church, Hove, and had four sons.