Helenka Nowicka with her parents Krystyna and Stannislaw Picture Ref: 76835-21AN ASPIRING model will be strutting her stuff in an international competition.

Helenka Nowicka, of Chamberlain Road, Stratton St Margaret, is hoping to wow judges when she represents Poland in the Miss Model International Competition.

And the Swindon-born marketing co-ordinator has already made an impression with modelling agencies just weeks after joining.

Helenka, 24, said she has always dreamt of becoming a model.

After winning a hair competition at Old Town salon West One, Helenka was given her first taste of the catwalk dream modelling hairstyles at different shows.

She said: "This gave me a real push."

She then signed up with London modelling agency Impact Model Management. And after just two weeks she was invited to represent her parent's native country, Poland, in the model competition on the Caribbean island of Martinique.

Agency bosses already had three other Polish girls they wanted to put forward for the contest but after seeing Helenka they decided she had such a strong look she had to be the one.

Helenka, a former student at St Joseph's Roman Catholic School, Stratton St Margaret, said: "I had a chat with my mum and dad first because you hear so many stories, but they said 'Wow, you just have to do this.'

The modelling world is a tough one and there is no room for the weak willed. But, Helenka says she is sensible and understands that rejection is all part of the job.

"Modelling has got its ups and downs but if you've got support it's okay.

"Not everyone wants your face, but I'm not the sort of person who gives in," she said.

All the models taking part in the contest met at a photo shoot in London a week ago and Helenka said they were all lovely.

There will be 60 girls, each from a different country around the world, who will be competing to be crowned Miss International 2005.

There are also three other winning titles Miss Confident, Miss Personality and Miss Photogenic for the runners-up.

Helenka will be jetting off to Martinique next Wednesday.

She said: "I'm so excited, I've packed already."

Once she arrives she will be given a glamorous wardrobe packed with designer gowns, swimwear and suits. Helenka will also be wearing a gown by top designer Bernshaw, who has dressed Julia Roberts and Jamie Lee-Curtis for the Oscars.

Helenka is thrilled that she has been given such a big break.

She said: "I feel like I've won already. No matter what happens, I can look back and think what a great opportunity."

Her proud parents are delighted she will be part of such a high-profile contest.

Her mother Krystyna, an IT administrator at Intel, said: "We're over the moon. We are just proud that she's representing her country, it's such an experience."

Lyndsay Scanlan