A CALLINGTON student who is also a former pupil of Kelly College will be taking to the catwalk in the final of a national modelling contest in April. Twenty-year-old Rebecca Smith, who is currently studying criminology and psychology at Southampton University, is one of 27 finalists in Miss Top Model UK 2008, having been selected from more than 500 applicants. The event is being staged to seek out a potential model star of the future and to raise awareness of and funds for Breast Cancer. All the entrants have no or limited modelling experience. Rebecca, who has never really thought of becoming a model, said she has thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far and the professional photo shoot for the competition. She said: 'I was selected as one of the 27 finalists out of 500 girls who entered and I was really lucky to get through as I didn't go through the interview process and they just put me straight through to the final after a photo shoot. 'I was so pleased to be chosen as they normally don't take anyone under 5.8 and I am 5.5 and curvy. 'I do find it much more hard work than I thought but I'm really enjoying the contest.' In the grand final on Thursday, April 17 at Porchester Hall, Bayswater, London the aspiring models will display three looks: casual, swimwear or lingerie and freestyle or evening wear. The judges will narrow the field to 15 girls, who will take the catwalk once more, before three runners- up and the overall winner is chosen. The winner will receive a one-year modelling contract. A photo shoot of all the finalists was held in February and the results, together with details of the contest, can be seen on the website http://www.misstopmodel.co.uk">www.misstopmodel.co.uk The public can choose their 'Public Award' favourite by texting MODEL followed by a space and the number of the model — Rebecca is 02 — to 82085, which will cost £1 plus normal network charges.
