WANNABE models took the first steps to fame at an open audition in Colchester.

The Culver Square Colchester Modelsearch, organised in association with the Gazette, is giving ordinary shoppers the chance to be stars of fashion.

The first of two scouting sessions was held at Culver Square on Saturday, with organisers inviting passers-by to step indoors for an audience with competition judges. Promising candidates were invited to the finals on May 23.

There will be another scouting day on May 8, between 11am and 3pm. The eventual male and female winners of four age categories – four to six, seven to ten, 11 to 15 and 16-plus – will be featured in Culver Square’s autumn catalogue.

The Sandra Reynolds Model Agency will give a test photoshoot to the winner of the adult category, and one youngster will get a year’s placement with the Truly Scrumptious Agency.

Further contestants may also be signed up if more than two catch the eyes of the judges. There is no upper age or size limit.