A NEWPORT fashion graduate will be both designer and model when she hits the catwalk this weekend.

Naseem Syed, a former student at the University of Wales, Newport, will be putting the expertise she learned on the fashion course to good use - designing the costumes she will wear as a regional finalist in the Miss Wales competition.

If the 24-year-old successfully completes the first round in Cardiff this weekend she will go through to the grand final in July - and a chance of competing in the Miss World competition.

She said: "Taking part in Miss Wales was one of the items on a 'wish list' I made when I was studying at Newport's University.

"They included working in Africa and abseiling from the civic centre for charity - both of which I have done.

"The trip to Africa was special as it gave me a chance to learn about a new culture and base a new collection of fashion designs on it."

The former Duffryn comprehensive school pupil graduated three years ago after successfully completing a BA Hons fashion design course.

Now she teaches fashion design on the Streets Ahead programme which works with people from ethnic minorities in the community.

She said: "Studying fashion at Newport was a brilliant experience. It gave me a real chance to be creative and original, and I made many great friends."

Naseem, of Duffryn, will be returning to the university this week to see the designs created by the current crop of students who have their annual fashion show at the Caerleon campus.

She was looking forward to the competition this Saturday at the Marriott Hotel and her family will be keeping their fingers crossed she makes it through to the Miss Wales final.

"My mum is really proud and everyone has been so supportive," said Naseem. "It is a great opportunity to represent Wales and, particularly, Newport."

She is hoping a company will help her realise her dream by providing the £250 sponsorship she needs to compete in the beauty contest. Anyone who would like to help should contact 01633 777247 or 777231 and we will pass the details on.