The final of a competition to find The Face of The House is being held this week. Women's Editor Christen Pears introduces the hopefuls.

THE bright lights of the catwalk are beckoning for wannabe models hoping to launch their careers this week. Four men and four women are hoping they will be the one singled out as The Face of The House - the top North-East designer clothes and lifestyle store.

The House is searching for a boy and girl to front all its campaigns for the coming Autumn/Winter season. The competition, which is run in conjunction with The Northern Echo and Tyne Tees models, has attracted entries from across the region. They have now been whittled down to just nine, who will take part in the grand final held at The House in Yarm on Thursday.

The judges, who include Kieran McBride, The House's retail director, and Lesley Middlemiss, director of Tyne Tees Models, will be looking for people who represent the spirit of The House. The winners will be passionate, good fun and have a lust for life.

The finalists are 20-year-old Jennifer Hunter, a brunette from Darlington and 18-year-old Kathryn Meehan from Marton. Lucy Osborne, who is also 18, lives in Yarm so knows The House well. She is joined in the final by 19-year-old Zoe Shephard, who is 5ft 10ins and lives in Nunthorpe.

The boys' line-up also includes a local boy: 17-year-old Andrew Holland from Yarm. Darlington's Matthew Wharton has also been selected for the final. He's 19, 6ft tall and has green eyes.

The other three finalists are 21-year-old Tom Phillips from Middlesbrough, Craig Bennett, who is 22 and lives in Darlington, and 25-year-old Claire Burke.

The House's collections boast some of the biggest names in designer fashion. Menswear includes Paul Smith, Hugo Boss and Armani Jeans and this autumn, new labels will include One True Saxon and Trapper.

Womenswear designers range from DKNY, Paul Smith Women and Armani Collezioni to Fake and Homeless. Rebecca Davies and Holly are among the new names this autumn.

The winners will feature in all of The House's advertising campaigns and fashion shoots for the new season. They will also win £500 of clothing, as well as a one year contract from Tyne Tees Models, plus a make-over and starter portfolio. It could be the break they need to turn them into the next star of the catwalk or Vogue covergirl.