STUNNING hairdresser Nicola Moriarty is turning heads in the modelling world.

She stepped onto a catwalk for the first time and won two prestigious titles - Miss British Isles North West and Merseyside regional finalist in the UK Photographic Model of the Year.

"I can't believe it," said Runcorn mum, Nicola, 23, of Murdishaw. "My dad's always wanted me to do it. He keeps saying: 'You should be a model'.

"This is the first time I've ever entered competitions and I've won both of them! It's amazing."

Nicola, who has an 18-month-old son, Samuel, was able to enter Miss British Isles, thanks only to sponsorship from Halton businesses.

Taylor Richards Hair and Beauty Salon of Runcorn is confident she will be a big success.

Yvonne Richards, said: "We are proud to sponsor a local girl. She is absolutely stunning and has a great personality. She truly is a star."

Pauline Hughes of Bows'n'Belles bridal shop in Widnes is supplying her gowns and jewellery.

Nicola, who is 5ft 11ins tall, with dark hair, olive skin and green eyes, beat 2,500 contestants to win a place in the final.

It wasn't just her looks that impressed the judges, she scored top marks on personality and her ability to sell the British Isles as well.

Asked on stage about her most embarrassing moment, she recalled how she got locked in a gents' loo!

"I was in a nightclub, went straight into a cubicle and got locked in. It was only when I heard men's voices, I realised I was in the gents! I had to ring my boyfriend to come in and let me out!"

Nicola will be competing against 37 girls from all over the UK in the final next month.

She has to wait until July to try to win the title UK Photographic Model of the Year.