Harwich stalwart providing prom dresses and suits

Les Nicoll, who runs the Harwich-based North Essex Support Team, has organised the collection of pre-loved prom dresses and suits in previous years.

He is now encouraging the community to participate once again.

From Valentine’s Day, prom dresses, suits and accessories will be collected and donated, free of charge.

It is aimed to ensure families do not have to overspend or for children to miss out on prom.

To ensure its success, Les needs lots of prom dresses, boys’ suits and accessories.

Smartly dressed - Suits for boys are distributed as part of the project (Image: Les Nicoll)

He is looking for drop-off points in areas such as Harwich, Clacton, Manningtree, Brightlingsea, Kelvedon, Colchester, as well as any towns or large villages in North and central Essex.

He has offered to lend a clothes rail and would pick it up once it is filled with stock.

Les wrote: “This year events will be held in Harwich, Clacton, Colchester, Maldon and new this year, Harlow.

“We gave away hundreds of beautiful dresses last year, please help me make this happen again.”

Les told the Standard that although NEST does several initiatives, he has a special place in his heart for this one as it is “rewarding”.

A search is underway for business premises to act as a second drop off point in Harwich and the project is “going right across the county”.

Glamourous - The collection helps ensure dresses are available to young women needing one for prom (Image: Les Nicoll)

Les said: “The changes and opportunities are wonderful

“Young men come with hands deep in their pockets. As soon as you put a suit on, they stand straight and their faces light up.

“I have loads of people from the community volunteer.

“Children always seek me out to thank me for running it. 90 plus per cent of children find me to say thanks for taking the time to run this”.

“It’s motivating these children - that’s a point I really like to make. 

“The children are grateful, it’s a joy”.