Meet the fairy godmother of Scots school proms

JUNE is here and for hundreds of school pupils that means the biggest night of the year – the school prom – has almost arrived.

School discos are now a thing of the past, replaced by a multi-million-pound industry where limousines, custom-made dresses and red carpets are the norm.

For primary and high school leavers, the prom is now a rite of passage mirroring the sort of glitz seen on American TV shows.

But the very utterance of the word is certain to bring mums and dads around the country out in a cold sweat as they try to find a way to cover the costs.

Now a big-hearted mum is lending a much-needed hand to struggling parents.

Justine Nicholson, from Paisley, has set up Posh Threads, a collection of pre-owned formal wear for school leavers to borrow, free of charge, for their big night.

The mum-of-five has been overwhelmed by the response since its launch two months ago.

Justine said: “I’ve already had two daughters go through the P7 dance, or prom as it’s called now, with another just about to. The expectations seem to be more demanding and expensive.

“When my second daughter had her prom, one of her friends came in a school blouse and skirt. She’s a beautiful girl but I don’t think she felt very beautiful that night, seeing everyone else with all their sparkles on.

“My heart strings tugged for her and it stayed with me. I had this idea but then my twin daughter and son, who are now four, came along.

“This year I decided to go for it. I wrote a message on my Facebook page and was amazed at the feedback.”

The busy mum, whose three other girls are aged 20, 16 and 11, has watched the prom craze continue to grow.

“Whatever starts in the States comes over here,” she said. “We are picking up all the Americanisms and when the big girls do something, the younger ones want it as well.

“The kids don’t put me under pressure, but I feel the pressure to give them the same as their classmates.

“With people going to food banks and struggling to make ends meet, how are they supposed to afford these things?”

Justine, a project engineer with shipbuilders BAE Systems, set up the Posh Threads page, starting with two dresses belonging to her daughters.

The initiative quickly took off. She’s received a number of donations and even more interest from parents wishing to use the service.

“Parents can send me a private message, giving me an idea of the size required, and I provide them with a choice of clothes for the kids to try on.

“They fill out a form when they are borrowing the outfits stating they will return them in the same condition and confidentiality is guaranteed throughout.”

In the last few days, Justine has secured a room at Paisley Fire Station to meet with families to loan and return outfits, thanks to firefighter husband Graham.

Originally just focusing on primary school events, Justine has added high school proms and first communion outfits to her increasing clothes bank and hopes to continue to grow.

“I would like to see it expand to other areas,” she added. “I’ve realised there are people in plenty of other areas who could benefit from Posh Threads.

“I would like to have a cash fund so we can help pay for extras, like a haircut or their share of a limo.

“My aim is to give the kids a great night and take the pressure off the parents.”