Beauties vie for catwalk crown

THE search for Scotland's next top model is nearly over.

Forth One has been on the hunt for tomorrow's stars of the catwalk for the past month.

Yesterday, we brought you the first look at Lothian's hottest blokes – and now it's the girls' turn.

The contestants are competing for a lucrative modelling contract with The Look Models agency which launched the careers of, among many others, Lauren Tempany, who has gone on to model for Alexander McQueen, Julien MacDonald and Miuccia Prada. Their first major photo shoot will then appear in Scottish glossy No.1 Magazine.

From the hoards who applied, 26 semi-finalists have been chosen and are now battling it out for votes to reach the finals of the inaugural Forth One Cover Girl 2008 competition. Which ones of these local girls make it through to the live final – which is being held at Ocean Terminal on August 14 – is your call.

"It really is up to the listeners and readers as to which one of these girls makes it through to the finals," says Forth One's Jill McLaren, who is one of the judges. "There's a great bunch of gorgeous girls and every online vote counts at this stage."

Boogie agrees, and adds: "I'm really impressed with all the girls who've entered – what a dream job it is for any bloke to be involved in this. I can't wait for the finals to see all these gorgeous girls."

And the girls are ready to battle it out to ensure they can wow the judges at the finale.

"It was my cousin who actually entered me as a birthday surprise and I'm quite excited now," says 18-year-old student, Lisbeth Valentien, from Viewforth. "I have modelled before and I'm ready for the final."

So too is 19-year-old student Susan Ross from Colinton. "My friend entered me, and she also entered me into Miss Scotland," she laughs. "I'm very interested in modelling and am flattered that my friend has so much faith in me."

But 23-year-old Lisa Jane Malcolm from Tranent isn't as confident. "I'm not a lucky person," admits the social care worker, "but I've got my fingers crossed. I always wanted to be a model when I was younger and I'm very excited."

Choosing the five female finalists who will battle it out at Ocean Terminal is up to you. Simply visit www.forth one.com and vote for your favourite model.