BASINGSTOKE schoolgirl Emily Smith has been signed up by the top modelling agency that launched modelling icons such as Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen.

Emily, a 15-year-old pupil from Cranbourne and Business Enterprise College, is now on her way to realising her dream of becoming an international catwalk model after being snapped up by Elite Model Management.

She said: “I really want to pursue this as a career and there is now a possibility that I can start when I am 16.”

Emily won the modelling contract after coming runner-up in the global model scouting competition Elite Model Look World Final held in Sanya, Southern China, in October.

Emily, from Eastrop, was one of 67 finalists invited to China, from 350,000 worldwide applicants, to take part in part in a two-week model “boot camp”. The teenager said: “The experience gave me a taste of what modelling is really like.”

The camp led up to a runway final in which Emily was a finalist – and she was amazed when she heard she was among the judges’ top choices.

She said: “It was a real shock because there were beautiful girls from all over the world – they had to call my name twice.”

Despite the ultra competitive reputation of the industry, Emily said all the competing girls were supportive rather than backbiting.

She added: “It is completely different to how you read about it in magazines and newspapers. Everyone was welcoming and lovely.”

Supporting her back home were sisters Isobel, 13, and Charlotte, eight, and parents Andrew, 42, and Phillipa, 41. Emily said: “They are very supportive and are as excited as I am.”

Emily will now have test shoots to help her build up her portfolio as she looks to take her career to the next level.

Michelangelo Chiacchio, managing director of Elite London, said Emily is mature, positive and charming – a big plus point because photographers and designers are always looking for girls that not only embody the current style, but also have a strong character to bring to the shoot or catwalk.

He said: “Apart from her looks, which are completely on trend for fashion’s current mood, Emily’s personality and attitude is what gives her real star quality.

“She’s so composed in front of the camera. Already, she instinctively knows how to move and interpret the photographer’s direction, which will make her a dream to work with.”