SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: ASPIRING catwalk queen Helenka Nowicka is the new face of Swindon hair salon West One. The 23-year-old beat 18 hopefuls to win a modelling contest held in aid of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

For Helenka, it was a dream come true. Her face will now appear on posters and flyers advertising West One, which has salons in Victoria Road and Westcott Place.

The former St Joseph's School student, of Chamberlain Road, Stratton, said: "I was completely overwhelmed, I just couldn't believe it.

"I have done modelling in the past for other salons, but this is amazing."

Proceeds from the hair show, held last week at the Cricklade Hotel and Country Club, are still being counted.

Helenka, a marketing coordinator at Rayfast Distribution on the Westmead Industrial Estate, chose a retro punk look.

Her hair was styled into a Mohican and she wore dark make-up with a black stripe across her eyes.

Helenka endorsed the appeal, which has so far raised £200,420 towards the £600,000 target.

"I know how cancer affects people because my dad's brother died of the disease," she said.

"It's a great idea to raise money for Macmillan."

The contest was judged by West One staff.

Assistant manager, Louise Skeates, 24, said: "Helenka just has that model look. She was very professional, has good hair to work with and is very pretty."

Many fundraisers are organising events in the run up to Christmas.

John Holmes Music has chosen the appeal to be the beneficiary of its annual charity bash this year, which features music, dancing and a raffle.

The event, at Blunsdon House Hotel, features cabaret singer Stuart Burnley, who has a wide repertoire ranging from Pavarotti to Sinatra.

Stuart, who lives in Malmesbury, performs in theatres across the country, and has just returned from appearing alongside Des O'Connor and Joe Longthorne in Great Yarmouth.

tlal@newswilts.co.uk

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