THE plight of teenagers who avoid their school prom night because they can't afford a ball gown has prompted an Anglesey great-grandma to help out.

Viv Mooney, from Cemaes, heard that children from poorer families were avoiding their end of school parties.

The American style "proms night" is a custom which has recently caught on in the UK.

It sees high school students celebrating the end of their senior year with an extravagant, formal version of a school dance.

Students often go to excesses renting limousines to get to the event, and wearing expensive ballgowns and tuxedos.

However, for many young girls, the costs associated with acquiring a fancy frock, new shoes, designer handbags, lavish make-up and glamorous hair styles can be prohibitive.

So, Viv, who is a mum-of-three, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of one, said she couldn't stand the thought that some children were missing out.

She has appealed on Facebook for people to donate gowns. Already, she has more than 40 dresses, including 30 brand new ones, which is she making available for youngsters borrow.

Viv, who is a former mayor of Penmaenmawr, and helps run the Penmaenan Community centre said: "It just broke my heart to hear there were children in north Wales missing out on their school prom, just because of lack of money, it seemed so unfair.

"So, I decided to ask people on Facebook, if there was anyone who had dresses they could donate for them to borrow, and the response has been marvellous so far.

"I am still appealing for dresses, and accessories, such as shoes and bags, to go with them, but also I want to put the word out to schools in the area that if they know of any children who need a dress, we have sizes 10 - 16, and all we ask is they return them in the condition they are loaned."

Anyone who can donate a dress, or knows anyone who needs one for the upcoming proms, please contact Viv on her on Facebook "Community a'dress" page, or email: Viv.mooney@hotmail.co.uk