Search starts for the year’s new models (From Echo)

Search starts for the year’s new models

9:00am Tuesday 19th April 2011 in Echo Woman

IT’S time to strike a pose as Colchester Modelsearch returns for the third year.

In association with the Gazette, the search is on for Colchester’s budding models to be the face of fashion at Culver Square.

More than 500 entries have been received each year and this year anyone wishing to take part just needs to visit Culver Square Shopping Centre on one of two scouting days – Saturday, May 7, and Saturday, May 21, between 11am and 4pm.

The competition is free to enter and is divided into four categories: Age four to six, seven to ten, 11 to 15 and 16+ with no upper age limit.

Derek Ashbee, Culver Square centre manager, says: “We are very excited about organising this Modelsearch event.

“While we cannot guarantee fame or fortune, or a stroll down some of the world’s famous catwalks, or the cover of Vogue, we do hope those taking part will enjoy the experience and gain an insight into the world of modelling with ‘Catwalk to Culver’.

“You never know what might happen.”

A shortlist of 160 finalists, whose photos will appear in the Gazette, will be invited to return to Culver Square for the casting finals on June 5, where they will meet a panel of judges, including representatives from model agencies, some previous winners and fashion retailers from Culver Square.

Eight winners will be chosen and will experience their first fashion photoshoot in September, and the pictures will be splashed across a double-page fashion feature in the Gazette in October.

Colchester Modelsearch, is also being run in conjunction with Sandra Reynolds Model Agency and Truly Scrumptious Child Model Agency, both of which will be on the lookout for future stars.

Finalist in the 2009 contest, Cameron Edgar, from Colchester, was chosen by Truly Scrumptious from the seven to ten age category.

He has gone on the star in television commercials, including ones for Electrolux, Littlewoods and M&S Online.

To enter, pick up a copy of the Gazette today and fill in an entry form.

Entrants will be asked for a minimum donation of £1 to go to the Help for Heroes charity.