Women of all ages raced to get their hands on each other's clothes at the launch of a new craze promoting recycled fashion.

About 50 women gathered at St Aldate's Church, in Oxford, to swap shoes, jewellery and bags at the city's first 'swishing' event, on Saturday.

The phenomenon, brought to Oxford by ethical fashion consultant Elizabeth Laskar, saw people bringing in good quality clothes that they no longer wear, and swapping them rather than throwing them away.

The women had about 30 minutes to look at the clothes before the event officially opened.

Suzie Lipscomb, from Summertown, brought along a ball dress, two jackets and a cardigan that she no longer wanted.

The 29-year-old curator said: "I have found a jacket that I want to get. There's a little talk, then they cut a ribbon, then we all get let loose.

"I think it's fabulous. It's about reusing and recycling stuff and it feels like things are going to a better home.

"We're in quite a throwaway culture and I think this challenges that. I really like the idea of bringing clothes you don't want any more and getting something you do.

"The problem is you can't leave anything anywhere - I put my handbag down just now and someone started looking at it."

Full-time mum Adriane Monteiro, of Summertown, brought some skirts, shoes and jewellery to swap for something new.

The 40-year-old said: "It's really a good thing to do. The clothes are in good condition and there are great labels as well and different sizes which is really nice."

Students Victoria Walton, 16, and Stephanie Gunning, 17, from Didcot, both brought dresses and skirts to swap.

Miss Walton, a student at Abingdon College, said: "It's a chance to get rid of old clothes you don't want any more."

Miss Gunning, who studies at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, said: "I think it's really good. It gets people together. We would definitely come again."

Ms Laskar, who lives near Folly Bridge, in Oxford, said she was pleased with how the event had gone and added many people did not understand how fashion could contribute to climate change.

She added: "We hope to have one big swishing event at least once a year in Oxford. I am sure we all remember jumble sales - this is a kind of chic version."