A TEENAGER has beaten thousands of wannabes to reach the auditions of a national modelling competition.

Chloe Merrigan, from East Bergholt, will be prancing around in a swimsuit and heels at her audition in London for Top Model UK 2010, next month.

The 19-year-old, who has modelled for fashion designers before, only got into the competition after being nominated by her mum, Joann.

Chloe, who works for make-up artist Laura Mercier, in Colchester, said: “I got an e-mail and found out my mum had applied for me.

“I was really surprised. And I am so lucky she did, because it is something I have always wanted to do.

“I keep making her lots of cups of tea now to say thank you.”

Chloe, who has wanted to model since she was seven, is one of only 120 entrants chosen by the judges to audition for the top prize of several modelling contracts.

Nearly 3,000 girls entered the contest. Chloe’s audition is on December 12.