A TEENAGER has beaten thousands of aspiring catwalk stars to land a place in the final of a national modelling competition.

Emily Hadfield, of Shakespeare Road, Eynsham, is one of 25 contestants to reach the last stage of Top Model UK 2010.

The 17-year-old, who is 5ft 10in, said: “I am quite nervous but also quite excited as well.”

Size eight Emily, who studies travel and tourism at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, said she had always dreamed of being a model.

She said: “I would really love to model, it’s my passion. My friends are really proud of me.”

Mum Elaine said: “She has always been interested in modelling and has been trying to break into modelling with different agencies but then she entered this competition.

“It’s amazing really; 3,000 people applied online for the competition. Out of all the people who entered, to get through to the final 25 is brilliant for her. I am thrilled to bits.”

Mother and daughter travelled to London in September for an interview, after she was selected from the thousands of applicants.

The teenager will perform a choreographed catwalk for a panel of judges at the Hilton Metropole, in London, to try to win a modelling contract on Saturday, March 13.

Emily, who has hazel eyes and auburn hair, said that other than modelling, her hobbies include going to the gym and spending time with her friends. She added her model idol is Lily Cole.

A separate text poll for the public will also take place to find an additional winner.

To vote for Emily, text model11 to 88010. Texts cost £1, which is donated to charity Children with Leukaemia.

For more details, visit topmodeluk.com