A GROUP of Gwent young people are in the frame to win a top modelling contract after being named regional semi-finalists in Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012 competition.

Abolade Akintunde, 20, Sian Howells, 18, and Caitlin Heal, 18, all of Newport, Katie Porter, 19, of Cwmbran, and Josh Van Drunen, 20, of Ebbw Vale, will strike a pose alongside ten others from across Wales at a semi-final at Specsavers in Swansea on August 13.

If successful they could then take to the catwalk in front of a panel of industry experts at the grand final in London’s Battersea Power Station in October, hosted by TV fashion guru Gok Wan.

The winner of this year’s competition will get a 12-month modelling contract with MOT Models and a two-week all-inclusive holiday for two to Barbados with £250 spending money.

They will also get a makeover with TV celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, a year’s supply of skincare products, a goody bag of hair and skincare products, a £150 Specsavers eyecare voucher and a competition trophy.

Last year Specsavers raised more than £20,000 for anti-bullying charity Kidscape by donating £1 for every eligible entry received in the competition.

All proceeds will help Kidscape continue its work with children and young people.