A TEENAGER has reached the final of a national modelling competition.

Elizabeth Pickering Hopland, 15, of Manor Road, Colchester, is in the natural beauty category of Top Model UK.

She impressed judges at auditions in London last year and needs people to vote for her in the final round.

Elizabeth said: “I was overwhelmed to get through. I didn’t expect anything, because there were some really stunning girls.”

Since her audition, Elizabeth has changed her look, having shaved her head to raise money £900 for Great Ormond Street Hospital in front of 300 people at her Ipswich school in December.

She hopes the new look could be an advantage.

She said: “I think it will give me a quirky look. Everyone said they really liked it.”

Elizabeth has some experience modelling for London-based hairdressers and has entered other modelling competitions.

She said: “I love it. It is fun and, I have to say, I like the attention. I like the end result and the photos I get back.”

She is part of the Colchester-based Mercury Youth Drama Group, Catherine Pickering School of Dance and the Priory Players.

She said: “When I do the runway, I love the adrenaline.

But I love acting. I would love to be a full-time actor, with modelling on the side.”

The two-day final of the Top Model UK competition, which includes swimsuit and evening wear rounds, is in London in April.

Elizabeth said: “It would be amazing to win. The winner earns lots of deals and gets to go to London Fashion Week.”

To vote for Elizabeth, who is in the competition under the name Elizabeth H, visit topmodeluk.com Each vote costs £1, which goes to charity Children with Cancer UK.