Gorgeous guys and girls who could grace the catwalk were head-hunted for the Telegraph & Argus Model Search competition.

Scouts spotted good-looking shoppers and staff in the Kirkgate Centre in Bradford and invited them to take part.

Almost 30 people signed up for the competition in the first hour and organisers said they had a good response.

Michael Tierney, one of the scouts, was standing at the top of the escalators on the lookout for talent.

"There has been a lot of interest," he said. "People are a bit shy initially, especially the men, but with a bit of persuasion they put their names down."

Melissa Malone, 16, of Great Horton, pictured, was approached by the team as she worked in Claire's Accessories. "My mum put my photos in a modelling book when I was about nine but it was just a bit of fun," said the former Thornton Grammar School pupil. "I would enjoy modelling because I like getting dressed up."

Her manager Teresa Dawson said she was a "natural beauty" who had a lovely presence and the right approach to work.

Other hopefuls included 22-year-old joiner Kevin Ward, of Oakenshaw, who was shopping with his girlfriend Jessica Thomson.

"I was a bit nervous," he said. "I would like to be a model but whether or not I have the qualities remains to be seen."

Trainee nursery nurse Kelly Saville, 17, of Undercliffe also put her name down saying it would be a "good experience".

Wannabe models will return to the Kirkgate Centre on April 21 for heats in four categories and the winners will go to a grand final in May.

Finalists will be scouted by the Sandra Reynolds Model Agency based in Norwich and London for a photo shoot.