Forget the London catwalks or the fashion-strewn streets of New York, this summer it’s all about the search for a Country Catwalk Star.

At the beginning of 2011, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society launched a huge modelling competition to find aspiring models who either live or work in the countryside.

The competition has attracted dozens of entries from young men and women across UK, all wanting to strut down the Skipton Building Society’s Fashion Pavilion catwalk. Having combed through the hopeful models, a group of high-profile judges announced the 11 finalists. Aged between 16 and 25, the finalists will be joining the professional models on the catwalk on the Great Yorkshire Show’s opening day on 12^th July.

The catwalk will take place in front of an enormous audience set on the 25-acre showground at the edge of Harrogate. Female model entrants will be wearing outfits created by Hobbs whilst men will be sporting garments by Brook Taverner of Keighley.

In addition to their share of £500, the two winners of the contest will be introduced to the world of modelling with fashion show organisers Morton Gledhill – The Fashion Team. This long established team has built an enviable reputation nationwide for Fashion Show productions and its Model Training schemes. The team has prepared many models, both male and female, for agencies in Europe, America and Asia with many becoming photographic models or reaching the leading catwalks.

This competition is a mark of how widespread modelling is becoming, including the rural countryside. Finalist Charlotte Herbert-Davies was surprised upon learning that her mother had entered her into the competition, but is now thrilled about battling it out for the prize. “My mum entered me and I was really surprised. She’s over the moon that I have reached the finals, and so am I,” she said.

Opportunities like this are becoming more frequent across the UK. So, if you are interested in pursuing a career in modelling, get in touch with a reputable agency like Models Direct to gain some valuable experience – and keep your eyes open for competitions like this one!