BLACK Country fashion got a right posh makeover - with a sparkly "in yer face' jacket and hat that would not look out of place on Strictly Come Dancing.

Garry Sawers - better known as the musician Black Country Gaz - sported his creation for the first time at a sell-out variety show to "big up" the area, held at the Station Hotel, Dudley, on Friday.

Garry, aged 56, of Avon Close, Pensnett, said his outfit "went down a storm".

"People wanted to try it on - it was spot on, in yer face," he added.

Garry is trying to keep burning the passion for the area - fanned by last year's Black Country Festival, which he founded.

Last Friday's "Big Up the Black Country" featured a quiz, his own music and acts including Black Country Wench Marlene Watson and country signer Tracey Lawless.

The event raised £500 for the Save Dudley Hippodrome fund.

"Last year Stone Street in Dudley and Coventry Street in Stourbridge were closed off for the Black Country Festival - but that leaves 11 months of the year and I can't keep still," said Garry, who is planning more events to showcase younger artists.

"We need to show what the area has to offer all year round."

He told how he created his amazing coat from a jacket bought for £3.50 from a charity shop and an ordinary trilby hat.

He decked out the garments with Black Country flags and bunting - and finished them off with sparkly crystals and spangles to create the wow factor.