A NORTH-EAST model has spoken of her surprise at being rated among the top ten most beautiful women in the UK by readers of a lads magazine.

Emma Nicholson, formerly Padfield, was voted ninth in Maxim magazine's list of the Top 50 Babes in the UK.

Mrs Nicholson, of Stanley, County Durham, said: "I was pleasantly surprised. To be ranked along with Kylie Minogue and sister Dannii in the top ten, and to be ahead of Amanda Holden is really exciting."

Mrs Nicholson, who has swapped the high life of London for marriage and children in the North-East, was one of the bikini-clad girls who used to accompany Keith Chegwin around the doorsteps of Britain on Big Breakfast.

She was also a Miss Great Britain finalist - attending London's trendiest clubs and mingling with celebrities. She has also appeared on Kitchen Reps and enjoyed a successful modelling career, with assignments including London Fashion Week and The Clothes Show.

Mrs Nicholson, who is married to factory manager Colin Nicholson, has an eight-month-old daughter, Imogen. She hopes to do more modelling and has been approached by two magazines seeking a deal with her.