Model behaviour as locals chase dream

Ten finalists were chosen from over 100 entries last Saturday as part of Athlone Towncentre, i105-107 and Catwalk Modelling Agency"s Midlands" Next Top Model campaign. Three Athlone competitors were chosen to compete in the grand final which will again take place in Athlone Towncentre on Saturday, June 13 next. Open casting sessions were held from 2-5pm and aspiring models flocked to the towncentre where judges including Mandy Maher and former Miss Ireland Linda Duffy ran the rule over contestants. 'It was a great success and we had a lot of interest from Athlone, Birr, Mullingar, Tullamore - all across the midlands,' said Shirley Delahunt, Marketing Manager at Athlone Towncentre. 'Each contestant had a runway walk, a chat with the judges and had their headshot taken before judges chose. As part of the final, contestants will take part in a fashion show in Athlone Towncentre where they will model clothes for local boutiques. The winner will receive a twelve month contract with Catwalk Model Agency. 'It"s going to be a great occasion with plenty of excitement,' added Ms Delahunt.