Do you have what it takes to be Top Model of Sunderland?

Could one of these girls be the next Kendall Jenner?
The Top Model of Sunderland finalistsThe Top Model of Sunderland finalists
The Top Model of Sunderland finalists

The hunt has begun to find entrants for Top Model of Sunderland, a competition which could help an aspiring model on the path to becoming a catwalk success.

Ten finalists have already been chosen for the grand finale, which will take place at the Marriott Hotel in Seaburn on May 20, but there are still some places up for grabs.

The Top Model of Sunderland finalistsThe Top Model of Sunderland finalists
The Top Model of Sunderland finalists
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Last year’s winner was Jade Bambrough, 22, from Thorney Close, who says she’s enjoyed a whirlwind year of photoshoots as a result.“I’ve absolutely loved the past year,” she said. “It’s opened a lot of doors for me and I’ve done loads of different photoshoots. I’ve done modelling competitions before but this is the first one I’ve won.”

Asked what advice she’d give this year’s contestants, she said: “I would say be yourself and enjoy the experience.”

Ailish Shaw, director of Top Model of Sunderland, says she is looking for dedicated women to fly the flag for the city.

“Last year was the first year of the contest and it went really well,” she said. “All the girls were a pleasure to work with and Jade was a great winner, I couldn’t have asked for a better girl to represent the brand.

Marriott event manager Dionne Connolly, 2016 winner Jade Bambrough and Foundation of Light's Richard HopperMarriott event manager Dionne Connolly, 2016 winner Jade Bambrough and Foundation of Light's Richard Hopper
Marriott event manager Dionne Connolly, 2016 winner Jade Bambrough and Foundation of Light's Richard Hopper
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“This year I’m looking for someone who is dedicated and committed to raising money for charity. I don’t just want someone who’ll stand there for a couple of photos, they need to represent the brand well.”

Ailish is looking for women aged 16-29 to appear in the competition, the winner of which will compete in the national Supermodel England contest.

She added: “Other competitions state that women can’t be married or have children but we don’t have any restrictions like that. Girls can be any size or height, can be married and have children. I don’t think modelling should be restrictive like that, it’s about being beautiful inside and out.”

The competition will once again raise funds for the Foundation of Light after raising £5,000 for the cause last year.

The finalists so far at the MarriottThe finalists so far at the Marriott
The finalists so far at the Marriott
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Richard Hopper, Foundation of Light’s head of commercial, said: “We are delighted to once again be involved with the Top Model of Sunderland competition. Last year’s event was a huge success, and we congratulate Jade and all the finalists for their efforts in supporting the local community. We would again like the thank Ailish and the team for partnering with Foundation of Light once again on the event.

“We look forward to welcoming the 2017 finalists to our events leading up to the final and offering any assistance we can to help with their fundraising.”

The finalists will compete in four rounds at the final: jeans and t-shirt, personal style, evening wear and a round wearing dresses from Sunderland online boutique Brogan’s Closet.

The overall winner will receive a portfolio with David Miller Photography, a £100 voucher for The Dressworks and other prizes.•To apply for Top Model of Sunderland 2017 visit http://www.topmodelofsunderland.co.uk/