IT'S an old tradition, and one Lorraine Usher, co-ordinator of the Debutante Ball is keen to keep alive.

The event was organised by the Lions Club.

Fifty young ladies and gents were presented to Charleville society on Saturday night in all their finery, officially entering society as young adults.

Six of them were twins: Oliver and Charley Aitken, the Doneman twins and a brace of Newbys.

Mrs Usher said the strict rules of clothing and etiquette enforced at the event are an important lesson for any young adult entering a broader world.

"(It's about) telling the girls they can't wear dresses that are not appropriate,” she said.

"There's something more out there with half their body hanging out.”

And she couldn't be prouder of our new generation. "The debs and the boys - they all have worked very very hard over the past few weeks with the dancing and learning how to present themselves,” she said.

"Every single one of them did what they were asked of and more.”