More than 400 aspiring models have put themselves forward for the Bradford Modelsearch competition as preparations continue for the heats this weekend.

Organisers have revealed they will accept entries from budding male models – aged 11 and over – on the day of the first round of judging on Sunday.

Modelsearch spokesman Michael Tierney said entries from women outnumbered those from men at a ratio of about five to one at the last count.

“We want to get as many males as possible,” he said. “It’s always good to get more guys involved. They tend to be a bit more timid than the girls and some of them don’t think it is for them, whereas in reality they have a longer shelf life and the agencies always want them.”

The Kirkgate Centre competition, now in its 11th year, has been organised in association with the Telegraph & Argus and the DK Model Agency.

Kirkgate Centre manager Catherine Riley said: “It never ceases to amaze me how much interest this generates. The response this year has been absolutely fantastic.”

The competition is divided into four age categories – four to six; seven to ten; 11 to 15 and 16 and over.

Male and female winners from each age category will receive a share of a £500 shopping voucher prize pot.

For the first time this year a new T&A Reader's Choice category will see the finalists put to a public vote.Photographs will be published in a supplement in the T&A on Friday, May 11, from which readers can select male and female winners from each age category.

The Modelsearch final will be at the Kirkgate Centre on Sunday, May 20.Previous winners have gone on to model for companies including DFS, Argos, Vidal Sassoon and Sports Direct.