Teenage student Sammy Loudon swapped the grease of the chip pan for the glamour of the catwalk as she strutted her stuff during London Fashion Week.

Sammy, 16, of Oakleigh Road, Great Clacton, can usually be found behind the counter of the Lemon Wedge in Coopers Lane, Clacton, a couple of nights and lunchtimes each week.

But now she has bigger fish to fry as she breaks into the world of modelling, with Wembley the latest venue.

Sammy, who went to St Benedict's College, Colchester, and received help and encouragement from teacher Bernadette Dellar, is studying health and social care at Colchester Institute.

She earns extra cash by working in the fish and chip shop and at Jackals Restaurant in Rosemary Road, but her palms are now being greased with greater rewards and a number of top assignments.

The latest was working for Hair Associates as part of London Fashion Week. She also modelled for designer labels Red or Dead and Plum.

"I really enjoy it," she said. "The reality of college and the fish and chip shop is in great contrast to London and the world of modelling, but I love them both. You get to meet lots of people and it is a totally different way of life."

Parents Julie and John and brothers Joseph and Stephen are proud of Sammy's achievments, but they are hoping the glitz does not go to her head.

Mrs Loudon said: "It is nice she is earning some extra money and the pay is good, but we are hoping she keeps the modelling part-time at this stage."

So far, Sammy's jobs have been at weekends without interfering with her studies, she added.

Sammy said: "If the chance to become a full-time model came along I would snap it up, but I want to complete my education so I have something to fall back on. Looks don't last forever."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.