A HATHERLEIGH teenager is one of 14 finalists selected by a top London model agency to compete for a career in the modelling industry.

Anna Smith, 18, is one of eight girls and six boys being groomed for the competition final at the Plymouth Pavilions on Saturday.

The two winners will have the opportunity to work with Models One in London and be taken onto the books of the South West Glenbeigh Model Agency, which has organised the event.

Anna was one of 200 applicants who were whittled down to 14.

The teenager, who is currently studying A-levels at North Devon College, said she was persuaded to apply by her boyfriend.

'I was really surprised when I got through,' she said. 'It is not something I would have ever thought about doing, but it has been a lot of fun and I see it as a good opportunity.'

Other prizes for the winners include an 18-carat gold diamond necklace for the girl and a limited edition World Cup watch for the boy and companies such as Dingles, Elle and Ted Baker will be looking for a 'new face' to launch their new lines. They will also grace the covers of two West Country publications.

Anna said she was thinking about taking a gap year before accepting her place at Exeter University and at the moment was undecided about her career.

'Just being part of this competition has been good fun and all the other contestants are lovely.'

The South West Model Search will also be the subject of a six-part series on Carlton Television in July.