Kim Moorin, 43, from River, is a swishing fanatic – and is bringing the craze to Deal.

She is inviting people to The Alma pub, West Street, next Thursday (January 16), from 7pm to try it out.

Swishing is defined as the swapping of clothes, shoes or accessories with friends or acquaintances.

Kim, who lives in Mill Race, read about swishing online and fell in love with the idea. She said: “Not only does it keep your bank manager happy, but the planet, too. It stops so much going to landfill sites.”

Swishing has become a big trend, especially among fashion lovers in London.

Swapping your old for new appeals not only to self-titled shopaholics but also to celebrity names such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna Miller, who have shown they are fans.

Kim has been organising swishing events in east Kent since September. She has already held one event in Deal and, following its success, is keen to do it again. This will be her fifth swishing event.

Kim explains how it works: “Bring between one and 10 good quality items of clothing on hangers – it can be shoes or bags, too – and swap for them new ones.”

“We’ll collect your items in and hand you a credit note to the worth of your items. You get one credit for a high-street item, two credits for an upper high-street item and three credits for a designer item. The most credits one person can have is 30.”

“We’ll then put the clothes on rails, sorted into sizes, while you enjoy a complimentary glass of cava or prosecco. Then you can come back into the function room and scour the rails.”

If you find yourself in a dilemma, with nothing you like, you can keep your credit note until the next event or you can take the items you brought home again, providing they have not been snapped up.

Kim said: “I had one lady who came with lots of coats and she swapped them for evening gowns to wear on a cruise she was going on. She was over the moon.”

“Why not start the new year by taking control of your finances? It’s not just for women – we have men and children’s clothes too, and absolutely all ages are welcome. Every time someone new comes, they’re always really excited. The word is spreading slowly.”

“It is a trend that is becoming more and more popular, a great way to save money and a fun night out at the same time.”

There is an entry fee of £7.50, which includes a drink. There is no exchange of money for items.

For more information visit Kim’s Facebook page, East Kent Swishing.