Cinderella may have had her Fairy Godmother to help her go to the ball but in Helston and Mullion teenagers have been granted their very own Prom Piskie to call upon.

Two mums from Helston and Porthleven have set up a non-profit dress and outfit hire service in a bid to ensure everyone has a chance to go to their own prom, whatever their situation.

Whether it be the cost, the lack of choice or simply the stress of spending a day trawling the shops that might put a student off, Helen Stembridge and Tracey Moys hope to resolve that by offering a wide range of outfits all in one place and effectively for free.

They require just a refundable £10 deposit to hire, which is given back when the dress or outfit is returned clean and in the same condition, with no other cost involved.

Helen said: “We’re local parents who want everyone to feel special on their prom day. We really think there’s something for everyone here.

“There shouldn’t be anyone that feels they can’t go to their own prom for not having the right outfit.

“It’s a whole variety of people we want to help, who might not otherwise go to their prom. We just want them to have fun and be happy.”

Already the dresses have been taken into Mullion School for year 11 students to try on, with a number hired on the day. The pair now plan to take them into Helston Community College at a future date and it will also be possible to make individual appointments.

Helen was inspired to set up Prom Piskie after her experience of shopping for a prom dress with her 16-year-old daughter, when she realised how alienating the process must be for some people.

Currently, Helen and Tracey have received donations of around 50 dresses in every colour, ranging from size eight through to 20, many of which are new and the majority only worn once, but would also like to offer suits as well – something they lack at the moment.

To donate dresses or suits to the cause, or to arrange a time to try one on, call Helen on 07947 212858.