A BRAINY beauty is on the brink of taking the modelling world by storm - in between studying for a degree in molecular biology.

Aspiring model Esther Williams, 17, has proved she's got looks, confidence and charm, as well as intelligence, after beating hundreds of other girls to be crowned the winner of a top catwalk competition.

Esther, 17, of Ardleigh, Basildon, stomped her way to first place in the Supligen Brand Nu Model competition 2008, held during the Afro Hair and Beauty Show at the the world-famous Alexandra Palace in London.

The glamorous competition was organised by the magazine the Voice, to challenge the racial divide it says exists within the fashion industry.

The contest aimed to find a fresh-faced black model to follow in the footsteps of Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks - two of only a handful of black models to become household names in the modelling industry.

Esther, who left Bromfords School in Grange Avenue, Wickford, with a staggering 16 GCSEs, not only won herself the title, but also picked up a £500 prize and a much sought after introduction with top model agency Select.

Esther, who is 5ft 9in tall, said: "I was thrilled to win the competition. It's a big step forward in getting my modelling career off the ground.

"I've wanted to be a model since I was a young girl. Now it's all coming together, it's so exciting.

"Most of all I'd love to travel to Milan to model on the catwalk in the fashion shows over there."

However, Esther is still committed to her Open University degree in molecular biology.

She added: "I'm also interested in science and I aim to get my degree, even if my modelling career takes off big time.

"But at the end of the day modelling is my passion.

"When you step out on the catwalk it's like performing in show - I love the whole drama of it!"