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.

Kimberley Waddle, 17, is studying at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School.

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

The other finalists were David Hellens, 21, East Herrington; Scott Anderson, 18, Millfield, Sunderland; Lauren Flaxen, 21, Sunderland; Dean Afzal, 12, Millfield; Jonathan Tough, seven, East Herrington; Courtney Bate, seven, Doxford Park, Sunderland; and Yasmin Bell, five, Ryhope, Sunderland.

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 contract with a modelling agency and the opportunity to model in the centre's advertising and promotional campaigns.