Zoe to bid for model crown

The seventeen-year-old - short-listed from over 3000 UK entrants - was one of just two entrants from Northern Ireland chosen to go forward for the Runway and Editorial category of the Grand Final of the Top Model UK contest in London on March 13 and 14.

The 2010 contest, which is billed as the premier professional model search and campaign, is seeking out the very best new model talent the United Kingdom has to offer.

Speaking of her chances the Foyle and Londonderry College pupil told the Sentinel: "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 accompanied her to a rehearsal in England at the end of February in preparation for the Grand Final in the Hilton Metropole next weekend.

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

Zoe's modelling adventure follows hot on the heels of Laura Patterson's Miss World adventure. Intriguingly she is another young woman who hails from the Stoneypath estate on the outskirts of the city.

Is there something of a Stoneypath modelling fraternity in the offing? "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.