Agency's hunt for model students

Ms Hemsley turned her student modelling into a career

Students struggling with debt are being asked to cash in on their youthful good looks, by joining a model agency.

MOT Models is launching its first competition for any student aged 16 or over in London and the South East.

Director Mike Illes said there was a "massive demand for younger models" and more and more students were turning to modelling to fund their studies.

Anyone studying, from apprentices to Phd students, can apply to win a cash prize and place on the agency's books.

Among model students endorsing the idea is Clare Peebles, 20, from Tring, Herts, who is studying criminal psychology at Southampton University.

Time for study?

She modelled during her Gap year and decided to carry on while at university to help pay her tuition fees.

Design graduate and now full-time model Jasmine Hemsley, 24, from Surbiton, south-west London, said she was able to graduate "virtually debt free", by moonlighting in front of the camera.

Mr Illes said: "Those under the spotlight earn from £200 to £1,500 a day - that means high income for a short period of work, which leaves plenty of time for study."

A recent survey of students at four Scottish universities suggested about 400 worked an average of 15.5 hours per week, and 80% did so just to pay their bills.

Under the government's plans for higher education in England, the current flat-rate annual tuition fees of £1,175 could rise to up to £3,000 from next year.

According to the Association of Investment Trust Companies, students can expect to graduate with an average debt of £13,501.