GWENT model Lexy Johnson is getting ready to conquer the world, but first there's the little matter of the British Isles.

The Cwmbran contestant is to represent Newport in Miss British Isles 2005 next month, before jetting off to Mexico the next day for a modelling assignment.

The winner of Miss British Isles gets £5,000 worth of prizes, including cash, clothes and a picture portfolio.

But, most importantly of all, there's a modelling contract. "There's a lot of advertising behind it, so obviously it helps with my profile," said Lexy, 20, from Ty Canol.

It's her 15th competition, and she will be up against 30 other girls in three categories - evening wear, casual and bikinis.

"I've got new outfits for the competition, which I've never worn before," she said.

"Hopefully I've got a good chance, but you never know exactly what they're looking for. It will be a lot of fun anyway." The former Fairwater High pupil can afford to smile because her modelling career really does appear to be on the up.

Not only is she working in Mexico next month for an American modelling agency, she's due to meet industry bosses in LA, who, she says, are keen to check out her portfolio.

"It's really exciting. I'm looking forward to the Mexico job, which is for a week, but if it goes well it could be for longer," she said.

Lexy has also made it to the final of Miss Fast Car 2005 - a magazine for performance motor buffs.

Readers will vote on the winner, out of the ten remaining contestants later this month.

Miss British Isles takes place on May 22 at the Devonshire House Hotel, Liverpool.

You can find out more at www.missbritishisles.com.