A FORMER top model is searching for Gwent beauties to follow her footsteps.

Kirstie Howells once strode down the catwalks of Paris, Milan, London and New York for fashion greats such as Armani and Versace.

Now the 33-year-old has returned to her homeland to seek out other Welsh talent and help them hit the big time.

Kirstie said: "I had such a wonderful experience of modelling, it provided me with so many opportunities I would love to help others have the same chance.

"There are so many beautiful girls in Wales, it's a real untapped resource. "And because of my links and contacts I can really help them to make it in the modelling world."

Originally from the Vale of Glamorgan, Kirstie has a new agency, Face Models Management, and is looking for fashion, promotions and plus-size models, and is also hoping to branch into child models, too.

Face Models Management are holding a casting at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay, on Saturday, June 4, between 9am and 6pm. All are welcome.