A WORCESTER photographic studio is offering amateur and professional models the chance of national fame.

Photographers United, of St John's, is sponsoring a competition in which male or female models aged over 14 can enter the Face of 08.

The contest is being run through Models United.

Models take part in a free portrait session with a free 6x4-in colour print. The photo of their choice is entered into the Face of 08 competition with the chance to win £100, with no hidden costs or obligation to buy.

Paul Beard, owner of Photographers United, sponsor of the competition, said: "We are building on the success of the Valentine Couple of 08 competition that we ran in February.

"We are not a model agency, and are not offering any kind of contract. Photographers United are a team of photographers from all over the UK and Ireland, who will give professional and aspiring models the chance to experience a professional shoot and walk away with a free 6x4-in photograph."

To enter, models must book a portrait session with a regional Models United photographer. They then choose their favourite photo from the shoot, which will be theirs to keep, and the same photo will be entered into an online regional competition where friends and family can vote. Male and female regional winners will receive a certificate and go forward to the national final. Online voting takes place and the male and female winners each receive £100 prize. Judging takes place from Monday, July 7, to Sunday, July 20, for regional competitions, and Tuesday, July 22, to Thursday, July 31, for the national final.