A MODEL with animal passion is in the running to be Europe’s Sexiest Vegetarian.

Sophie Barrett, 21, of Creffield Road, Colchester, entered the competition run by charity Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), in the hope of being its latest ambassador.

Sophie, a part-time glamour model, is seeking the public vote in the competition.

She is among 16 finalists vying for the top prize which, as well as representing Peta in the press, includes food vouchers, clothes and organic wine worth more than £725.

Sophie said: “I thought it looked like fun and a great way to promote being a vegetarian, and show that we are normal people.

“There is a stigma that we don’t look very healthy – but I want to show we have a normal lifestyle. I am dedicated to animal rights’ causes.

“I love animals and am a strict vegetarian. It is one of my passions.”

Sophie ditched meat when she was seven, after seeing a stall campaigning against animal testing and fox hunting.

You have until August 30 to vote for Sophie at www.peta.org.uk