Young models strut their stuff (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Young models strut their stuff

6:14am Monday 21st April 2008

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Hundreds of people turned out to see youngsters strut their stuff on the catwalk yesterday for the opening heats of the Telegraph & Argus Modelsearch competition.

The budding supermodels, some as young as four-years-old, were at the Kirkgate Centre, Bradford, from 10am through to 4.30pm, to try and impress some of the country's top judges.

Louisa Seekins brought her daughter Charlie, eight, to compete in the seven to ten category.

Charlie, who attends Harden Primary School, also entered the competition about four years ago.

Her mum said: "She was really nervous that time but now she really wants to do it. She loves singing and dancing, so she just wants to have some fun."

After Charlie had taken her turn on the catwalk her mum said: "I'm very proud of her.

"She did it a lot better than last time - she looked really nice."

Competing in the same category was Paris Tyrell, seven, a pupil at Wellington Primary School.

Her mum Amanda, of Bolton Junction, said: "This is her first time at something like this but I have got an entertainment agency so we are already kind of in this line of work.

"I would like her to go into his kind of thing, but only if she wants to - I'm not pushing her, but she was keen on coming today.

"I would be really pleased if she was a star one day - I would certainly retire." Another first-timer was Alice Holt, nine, a pupil at Shibden Head Primary School.

Her mother Amanda Ryan, of Queensbury, said: "She's never been in anything like this before.

"Her sister-in-law has been in it before and she said it was good fun so Alice said she wanted to give it a go. We are certainly hoping to get through to the next round - it would be lovely if she did."

There are now just days left before the finals, which take place at the Kirkgate Centre on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.

With hundreds of pounds of gift vouchers the popular competition proved a great attraction with 445 entrants taking part in the heats.

Scott Billage, of Messages PR, organisers of the event, said: "I have been to Bradford with this competition twice before and so far this year the standard has been very good.

"All of the children look great, and the competition offers such a great chance for any of them."

The age groups for the competition are four to six, seven to ten, 11 to 15 and 16 and over.

One female and one male will be chosen from each group and, as part of their prize, they will receive their share of £500 of shopping vouchers.

The overall winners will take part in a fashion photoshoot at the Kirkgate Shopping Centre and receive a CD of all the photos and a fashion portfolio. Previous winners, including children as young as six, have gone on to model for the likes of Argos, Empire States and Vidal Sassoon.

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