TEN children, teenagers and adults have been named as finalists in a shopping centre's fashion show.

The ten were chosen for The Bridges Model Search Competition 2005, following a casting session where 60 semi-finalists were invited to The Bridges centre, in Sunderland, to be interviewed by six judges.

The panel included the centre's marketing manager, Lindsey McKenna, a newspaper journalist, magazine editor, celebrity stylist, radio DJ and model agency scout.

Among the winners was Melissa Ridley, 14, of Wingate, County Durham. She is a keen gymnast, enjoys swimming and is a computer whiz. She is also a Girl Guide.

Kimberley Waddle, 17, is studying at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School. She is a lifelong Hartlepool United fan and travels around the country following her team.

Matthew Ridley, five, of Hartlepool, enjoys horse riding.

Ms McKenna said: "I am delighted with the phenomenal success we have enjoyed with this competition.

"In total, 1,370 people entered and it was incredibly difficult to pick 60 from such a large amount, especially as the quality was so good."

At a fashion show on October 9, one of the hopefuls will be chosen as the face of The Bridges, scooping a year's modelling contract with Catwalk Models, and the opportunity to model in the centre's advertising and PR campaigns.