A MODELLING agency aimed at stopping the drift of talent and clients out of the region has been set up in Darlington.

And the owner of the NE Representation agency, Allison McKay, is on the lookout for talent.

Ms McKay, who has styled stars including Geri Halliwell, Denise Van Outen and Jamie Oliver, offers full agency services to clients seeking models, photography, make-up and hair-styling required to meet international standards of quality and creativity.

Casting sessions will be held in Darlington in the near future for models in fashion, beauty, character, lookalikes, families and film extras.

Ms McKay has returned to the North-East after 18 years away from the region, and has now settled with her family in Hurworth.

She said she sees huge potential for her agency.

"My aim is to offer a complete service to clients to prevent them having to look to London for top-quality work. I also hope to attract clients from the South-East to come North and see what this fantastic region has to offer," she said.

"I am looking for ordinary men and women, from children to grandparents. In addition to fashion modelling, we are offering still life, commercial and film work - the full spectrum."

Anyone wishing to be considered as a model for NE Representation should complete an application form on the website www.nerepresentation.co.uk

Hair and make-up stylists and photographers should contact Ms McKay on (01325) 720242.