FASHIONS from Farnham, the fundraising fashion show to be held at the Maltings in aid of The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, has announced Farnham Chamber of Commerce as its main sponsor.

The chamber believes the time is right to "plug the gap" between itself and local retailers, raise its own profile and involve itself more heavily in the town's affairs.

Committee member Simon Granville-Jones from River -print, stressed that the chamber's involvement is not simply to take over and "throw money at it" and that it will be working closely with the show's orgnisers, the Hedgehogs.

"We hope this will be bigger and better than any previous fashion show in the town.

"We will cast an eye over the show and those involved and offer our business expertise. We are very pleased to be part of this event and help local businesses."

Mr Granville-Jones is heavily involved himself, and is modelling a total of seven outfits, including clothing from Orvis and John Goodridge.

He hopes that more local businesses will be encouraged to join the chamber. Currently, of the shops participating, Elphicks is the only member.

Although Farnham Chamber has been in the town since 1920, it has only been independent from Surrey Chamber of Commerce for the last three years.

Marketing consultant Geoff Jeal believes that this independence has enabled the chamber to participate in these kind of events more freely.

"Since it went independent it can concentrate on local issues. People want the chamber to look after Farnham and not be based in Redhill or Woking.

The chamber and its membership has grown to 100 local businesses and the service provides a number of benefits as well as protecting and representing local business interests at all government levels. It also unites the retail, industrial, commercial and professional people in the town.

It has recently produced a comprehensive directory which will allow members to gain access to commercial contacts and to advertise and promote their own business.

Benefits include a free security check on business premises, a say on local issues such as parking, traffic flow, regeneration and planning, being membership of a body which is consulted by Waverley Borough Council and the town council, breakfast talks, and a Business Exchange evening.