Bond Girl vicar struts her stuff

Let us... look fabulous

A former Bond Girl who became a Church of England vicar has gone back to the catwalk to model clerical garb.

Reverend Dr Shannon Ledbetter, who wore a £250,000 PVC dress in the 1997 Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, modelled a rich, gold chasuble, specially commissioned to commemorate Terry Waite's release from captivity.

The colourful garb was rather less expensive, costing about £700.

Organisers say the fashion show - Clergy on the Catwalk, taking place in Manchester and part of the Great Northern Christian Resources Exhibition at G-Mex - is the religious alternative to London Fashion Week

Dr Ledbetter, 39, was ordained deacon in the Church of England last year and lectures in Theology and Religious Studies at Liverpool Hope University College.

Substantial spirituality

She said it was "wonderful" to take part in the fashion show which aimed to "dispel the myth that clergy need to dress dull".

"I would wear these kind of designs for special occasions," she said.

Rev Ledbetter appeared in Tomorrow Never Dies

"They represent thousands of years of substantial spirituality. It's not just dressing up.

"Modelling can be pretty soulless. I still get a kick out of seeing Armani, but you eventually ask yourself what you can contribute to the community."

Other members of the clergy were also switching the day job for the glamorous world of modelling for the shoot.

First-time model, Reverend Janice Collier, 46, curate of the Holy Trinity in Formby, Merseyside, said it was important for woman in the church to have such colourful designs.

"The church has always been colourful but we are just putting it in a modern context," she said.

Genesis Cope

The show was opened by Reverend Graham Nelson, 42, from St Oswald's Church, Deep dale, Lancashire.

He was wearing a multi-coloured Genesis Cope designed by Jacqui Bins.

But Mr Nelson's parishioners need not fear - he will not be exchanging communion wine for hussy fits and cocaine.

"I'm happier at the football ground than on the catwalk," he said, adding the show was a good way to get the Christian message across.