IT WAS handbags at 30 paces for the stars of Funny Girls as a big decision had to be made - which of the girls would go to Milan to model Katherine Hamnet clothes.

Funny Girls boss Basil Newby had to decide which three lucky ladies would catch a flight to Italy to appear on the catwalk in outfits by the wacky designer.

The Blackpool venue's cabaret stars battled it out as to who would be on stage in front of the world's media after the famous designer picked them to feature in her show.

Basil Newby said: "When we got a phonecall four weeks ago inviting the girls to feature in Katherine Hamnet's show, I thought it was a joke.

"It soon turned out to be serious, and I had to choose three of the them to go along.

"I also had to work out who would appear in the Blackpool show while the others were in Milan."

The decision was made and Betty Legs Diamond along with two other Funny Girls flew out this week.

They will start off Katherine's fashion show by performing a routine Fylde folk will recognise from the Queen Street cabaret bar.

The three girls then hit the catwalk to model a few designs before closing the show with another Funny Girl's routine.

Basil said: "It is all very exciting. The girls were very nervous before they flew to Milan.

"The international publicity will be great for Funny Girls and great for Blackpool."

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