A CATERING manager is swapping her apron for the camera lens in a bid to become a top model.

Mariya Georgieva, of Rainbow Hill, Worcester, has made the cut for the first heat of Top Model UK 2010, a national contest that could transform her into a professional fashion model.

Miss Georgieva, aged 24, only came to this country from Bulgaria six years ago, originally as an art student, moving to Worcester in 2007.

She has now set her sights on a modelling career. After getting through pre-selection interviews in London, she is down to the last 150 would-be catwalk stars.

The winner of the contest will scoop a top modelling contract with London’s Impact agency and Milan-based agency Just Models.

Miss Georgieva, who works at Tesco in St Peter’s, said: “I have been down the gym five days a week to get in shape for this. I’ve done a bit of modelling before.

“I am just staying positive. If I get through to the next round and into the last 30 I will need the public’s support because it goes to a vote.”

Miss Georgieva will travel to London on December 12 for the judges’ scrutiny, when the wannabe models are put through a photoshoot and catwalk show.

She will find out if she has made the cut before Christmas, and could then go to the finals in March.

For full details about the competition, visit topmodeluk.com.