A HORSE-lover from the North-East has gained praise from leading lights in the fashion industry.

Claire Pinkney, 21, from Tow Law, County Durham, was chosen as the regional winner of the Ariel Model 2001 contest after beating off competition from hundreds of others in the North-East.

Her prize involved being taken to London and spending time with top fashion personalities including model Yasmin Le Bon.

She was commended by the judging panel which included Mrs Le Bon, designer Matthew Williamson and agency Models' chief scout.

The overall national prize went to a woman from Somerset.