HEAVIES were out in force at Silsden – but there was no cause for townspeople to panic.

‘Lookalikes’ based on characters from gritty BBC drama Peaky Blinders gave a helping hand at a church fundraising event.

Booted and suited men from St James’ Church, including vicar the Rev David Griffiths, performed escort duties for fashion show models.

The well-attended show was the latest in a series of events staged to raise money for a major refurbishment and remodelling of the church hall, in Kirkgate.

The Project 200+ campaign – launched to coincide with the church’s 200th anniversary – has a target of £300,000, over a couple of years.

Garments for the fashion show were provided by organiser Beverley Ford, of the Carelli B boutique in Silsden, as well as H and L Fashions in Haworth and Saltaire-based Turning Heads.

Hair-styling was by Silsden’s Co-Co salon.

Models were drawn from the church and friends of the shops involved, and musical accompaniment was provided by pianist Terry Simpson.

“It was a brilliant night out,” said the Rev Griffiths.

“We have already received lots of requests for a repeat.

“We’re most grateful for all the creative ideas and hard work that went into giving Silsden such a special evening.”

The show coined-in £300.

The campaign’s next fundraising event is a Gin, Fizz and Music Mix evening on May 25.

And the ‘Yorkshire Shepherdess’ will make a return visit to the church hall, by popular demand, in November.

The church hall, which opened in 1820, was home to the town’s first school.

Over the years it has been used for a range of community events, and numerous groups meet there.

The refurbishment would include improved entrance canopies, new toilets, kitchen renovations, a spring wooden dance floor, a patio for outdoor events and rewiring and redecoration.

For more details about the campaign, visit stjamessilsden.org.uk.