Ref. 28365-2A YOUNG would-be model has been given a £1,200 Tara Palmer-Tomkinson dress.

Amy Barber, 16, from Eldene in Swindon, is the proud possessor of one of the It Girl's outfits thanks to a chance encounter with staff of Specsavers in the town centre earlier this year.

They were scouting for entrants in the Specsavers Look 2003 competition, a modelling contest in which branches up and down the country nominate people they believe have what it takes.

Amy went on to take third place overall at the national final in London, winning a weekend break for two in London with £200 spending money, £150 worth of spectacles, Almay skincare products worth £100 and a trophy.

But on the night of the final David Grieves, director of the Brunel Centre branch which nominated Amy, was so impressed with her achievement that he bought a dress donated by Tara Palmer-Tomkinson for £1,200 in a Specsavers charity auction as a gift for her.

The dress, a 60s-inspired leather garment designed by fashion star Caius Olowu, was worn by Miss Palmer-Tomkinson on the night and handed over at a later date.

Mr Grieves said: "Amy did fantastically well in the competition, showing she has got what it takes in the model stakes. This is our way of saying a big 'well done', and here's hoping she'll be seen in a lot more designer outfits as a top model very soon."

Amy, of Waldron Close, is a student at the North Star campus of Swindon College.

She said: "I have always wanted to be a model and open my own hair salon.

"I had never heard of the competition until somebody came up to me in the town centre.

"I was shocked when I heard about the dress, and I'll be keeping it as a reminder."

Ironically, Amy had never needed to wear glasses until recently, but a test at Specsavers revealed that she would need a pair for computer work. She chose designer fcuk frames as part of her prize.

The dress was handed over to Amy in a ceremony at the Swindon branch yesterday.

bhudson@newswilts.co.uk