When Chloe Merrigan received an e-mail saying she had been shortlisted for the grand final of a top modelling competition, it was something of a surprise.

Craig Robinson

When Chloe Merrigan received an e-mail saying she had been shortlisted for the grand final of a top modelling competition, it was something of a surprise.

The 19-year-old make-up artist from East Bergholt was not even aware she had been entered into the contest.

But her quick-thinking mother put in an application and now she is hoping that she can go all the way and be crowned number one.

The former East Bergholt High School student has made it into the top 30 girls for the commercial category of Top Model UK 2010.

She has been picked from more than 3,000 entrants and will be heading to the Hilton Metropole hotel in London for the grand final on March 14.

She said: “It's fantastic and I'm really excited. Modelling is something I have always wanted to do, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.”

Chloe has been sponsored for the competition by Maggie Morgan, who has just taken over the Crown Inn in Colchester.

They will soon be holding a party to mark her success and are hoping to get as many people along as possible.

Although the judges will make the final decision, there is also another prize for the public's favourite model.

To vote for Chloe text MODEL 50 to 88010. The message costs �1 and the money will go to Children with Leukaemia.