A BUDDING model is making her first appearance in a catwalk competition today, Friday, with the chance of winning a trio of dream prizes.

Chloe Ephraim, from Leigh, will take to the stage in a heat of the Miss Swimsuit UK in Liverpool in front of a judging panel including reality TV stars such as Celebrity Big Brother contestant Chloe Khan.

If the 23-year-old goes on to win the competition she will win a holiday for two to Mexico, a modelling contract and an opportunity to take part in the Miss Swimsuit USA International contest.

Manchester Metropolitan University IT graduate Chloe said: "I was keen to take part in this competition because I think it is about empowering women, facing fears, and overcoming anxiety.

"It takes a lot of confidence to get up on a podium and do a catwalk show in front of judges that have been on TV.

"A few years ago I never thought I would be able to do something like this.

"At first I was nervous about competing but now I am excited and proud for putting myself forward."

Chloe is expected to be up against around 20 other contestants in four catwalk rounds before finding out if she has made it through to the next stage of the competition.

A regular TV extra on soaps including Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, Chloe also appeared in the background of Tim Burton's 2016 fantasy film Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.