Zoe is Stoneypath's latest model citizen

Hot on the heels of Laura Patterson's Miss World adventure another young woman from the Londonderry estate is bidding for glory in the Top Model UK competition.

Zoe Barber is to take part in the final of the 2010 contest, which is billed as the premier professional model search and campaign, seeking out the very best new model talent the United Kingdom has to offer.

The seventeen-year-old was short-listed from over 3000 UK entrants to attend interviews at Lurgan Castle last November and was one of just two entrants chosen to go forward for the Runway and Editorial category from Northern Ireland for the Grand Final in March 2010.

Said the Foyle and Londonderry College pupil: "It's really good to have been shortlisted. I'm really, really excited to be involved in the competition, which is my first modelling contest."

Zoe is currently balancing her modelling aspirations with the pressures of an A-Level year but says she is confident such a balance can be accomplished.

"At the moment I'm doing my A-Levels. I'm studying IT, Spanish and English and want to go on to Uni and study something along the lines of English or public relations," she said.

Proud father David Barber says he was chuffed at his daughter's selection for the Grand Final. Her parents will now accompany her to a rehearsal in England at the end of February before the Grand Final in the Hilton Metropole in London in March.

"My parents are really proud and my brother, he's really supportive and says he's really proud of me," she added.

And as for Stoneypath's modelling fraternity: "I don't know Laura that well but what I do know of her she seems really nice," said the Newbuildings girl.

Zoe will be able to showcase her modelling ability in view of some of the hottest names in European fashion.

Amongst the top European designers to attend the Grand Final on March 13 and 14 will be Christian Lagervaard (Paris), a previous winner of the prestigious Prix Guy Laroche, Javier y Javier (Spain), Omar Mansoor (London), Courting Lily (London) and Lulu and Lush (London).

Zoe is sponsored by White Orchid Florists. Get behind Londonderry's latest modelling export and help her win the competition by taking part in a public text vote award. Text: MODEL 25 to 88010. All profits from the text vote go to Children with Leukaemia.Texts cost 1 each.