Barbara Windsor, Mary Portas and Gloria Hunniford were among a host of celebrities present at a charity fashion show in Finchley today.

The event, which was to mark the 40th anniversary of Harpers boutique in Edgware, was hosted by actor Christopher Biggins and model Jilly Johnson.

Guests at the event at the Avenue conference centre, in Regent’s Park Road, included ex-EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor, TV and radio presenter Gloria Hunniford, broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and presenter Lizzie Cundy.

All were present, and had paid £100 per ticket, to help raise money for The disability Foundation and the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Ms Hunniford said: “I am very glad to come along to this event.

“My daughter died of breast cancer so I am keen to support the Breast Cancer Campaign.

“In the future I will certainly visit Harpers; Barbara Windsor tells me she buys a lot of clothes from there.”

The event included lunch, a fashion show of Harper’s clothes and a raffle with prizes including a weekend in the South of France and a diamond necklace.

As the event wound to a close Mary Portas, retail expert, marched down the catwalk to present a surprise birthday cake to Harper’s owner Karol Solomons.

Ms Portas, who started out as Harper’s window dresser, said: “There was someone in that shop that showed me what great retailing is.

“When I had nothing Karol was always there and she believed in me.

“When I got the email about this event my PA said I was filming but I was determined to come along.”

The event was sold out and 240 women were there to celebrate the boutique’s birthday.

They hope to have raised more than £20,000 for the two charities.

Harpers, in The Promenade, Edgware, was opened by Ms Solomons in February 1972, and the owner became one of the first British boutique owners to travel to Paris and Milan to buy stock.

Click here to see a picture gallery of the event