CHILDREN showed off all the latest fashions when they paraded on the catwalk to help raise the profile of disabled people.

The two-day Kid-e-Quip event at the Reebok stadium opened yesterday with thousands of visitors travelling to Bolton from all over the North-west.

Nineteen children from special schools all over Greater Manchester modelled the latest range from Asda's George line of clothing and were over the moon to meet a sports hero and glamourous soap star.

Former Commonwealth Gold Medal winner Diane Modahl compered the event and was delighted to chat to the many children and their families both watching and taking part in the show.

She said: "I was really looking forward to hosting the event and it's been great to meet so many of the families here. The children's outfits are fantastic."

Diane, who represented Great Britain in this year's Olympics in Sydney and still lives in her home town of Manchester, added: "I have just about recovered from the excitement of the Olympics, but I've got to take it easy as I dislocated a toe and need to be 100pc fit before I can think about taking part in any other events, but I am thinking in terms of the next Athletics World Championships.

"Being here today is extra special because I followed the Paralympics all the way through and it was great."

Soap siren Claire Sweeney, who plays Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, was also on hand to chat to the youngsters and host the fashion show. Claire was keen to help out despite a hectic work schedule and was due back in Liverpool later in the afternoon for more filming.

She said: "I might be very windswept, but I'm glad to be here! I'm more than happy to help out with such a good cause."

The actress has yet more harrowing story lines to deal with in the coming months, but was sworn to secrecy over what Lindsey Corkhill will be getting up to next.

She said: "It does get even worse for Lindsey, believe it or not."

A Bolton youngster was thrilled to be modelling in the fashion show and her mum was keen to encourage parents of disabled children to come along to the event today. Rachel Corr, aged nine, has already modelled in Kid-e-Quip shows and was attracting plenty of attention yesterday in a dazzling pink outfit.

The St Columba's School pupil, who lives in Tonge Fold, was also starring in the finale of the show in a bridal gown.

Her mum, Eileen Corr, said: "Anyone with disabled children should try to come along because you realise you're not alone and there are lots of kids in the same boat."

Thousands of people are expected to attend the exhibition, which includes dozens of stands of specialised equipment to make life easier for disabled youngsters, voluntary organisations offering advice and several "round table" discussions.