SIXTH FORMER, Maria Sokolovski, is about to sign up with one of the UK's leading modelling agencies after winning a hard fought national competition.

Shopping in Top Shop one day, Maria was "discovered" and found herself being entered into the competition organised by Models 1 and USC, the fashion retail chain.  USC were looking for their "Face of the Future" and after intense competition during the weeks before, five boys and five girls took part in the final held on a specially constructed catwalk in Market Street. Says Maria, "I was really nervous but we were given some tips on walking and had our hair and make-up done.  I was amazed when I won".

Maria's prize includes £1000 to spend at USC, a holiday in Ibiza and a contract with Models 1, the agency which has represented Jerry Hall, Karen Elson, Amber Valletta and Twiggy.  Her first job will be to appear in USC's Autumn campaign.

The next year will be hard work for Maria who studied AS Theatre Studies, History, Maths and Physics and intends to take her A2s next year. 

Maria also had the chance to talk about MHSG with a former student when she appeared on the Richard and Judy Show after winning the title:  Judy Finnegan is a former Manchester High student.