FASHION visionary and founder of Next, George Davies was proud to judge The Cotswold School's Charity Fashion Show 2014 in Bourton-on-the-Water.

The man behind George of Asda and Next was joined on the judging panel last Thursday by his head designer Amy Coward and the school's textiles teacher Helen Kempson.

"Events like these are so important," said Mr Davies."They bring everyone together; the students, the teachers and the parents.

"I have been supporting this fashion event for three years now and it is always a full house. The talent, the detail and the artistry demonstrated is amazing. For me it is truly one of the best days of the year when I get to work with young people like these."

The fashion show asks students to design and make their own collection. Pupils also produce the show, market it, choose a charity to support and fundraise.

Headteacher Will Morgan said the show is one of the highlights of the school calendar.

"I never fail to be impressed with the organisation, production and quality of work produced by all the students involved," he said.

Best Show: 'Luminous' by designer/models: Molly Coulter (14), Darcy Slattery (14) and Tansy Jeal (14) who brought UV into their garments. As the lights went down on the catwalk, the dresses glowed.  George Davies said: 'I have never seen anything like it - not in Milan, Paris, anywhere!  Well done!'

Best single garment: Designer Grace Clare (14) who also modelled her gown from her 'New Zealand (Aotearoa)' collection.  The gown was inspired by Rangi, the Maori god of the heavens, with midnight blue bodice, silver stars and ethereal tulle skirt representing the 'southern lights.'

Best model: Charlotte Crouch (15). Charlotte won for the second year running, this year wearing an ice-blue gown from the show's winning collection by Lydia Clarke. Charlotte said: 'It is amazing to win again. I love the whole experience of the catwalk and the atmosphere of the show.  My gown was absolutely beautiful and it was a privilege to wear it.'

The Best Collection Winner: Lydia Clarke's 'Winter Wonderland' comprising three gowns inspired by sparkling winter months in cool colours with further inspiration from haute couture designer George Hobeika.  Lydia (15) has grown up amongst needles, thread and fabric swatches with Mum, Judith, a costume maker for the RSC.  Lydia said: 'We are lucky enough to have a whole workroom at home and I have always been around textiles and clothes making.  Over the years I have been very fortunate to go to London with my mother to see costume fittings. I would love to go into design and I will definitely be taking Textiles as an A Level.' Lydia was warmly congratulated by the judges and won the coveted George Davies Prize.

George Davies surprised everyone with a special award for 'Best Newcomer' which he presented to the youngest design team of the night - all in Year 8 -  Maddy Kettlewell and Charlotte Bowles  - with their models Connie Harrison, Matilda Shaw and Clara Wellman -  for their very accomplished 'All Bottled Up' collection made from recycled materials.​