A GWENT model jetted to the States yesterday to rub shoulders with some of the world's most beautiful models and actors.

Calvin Klein model Taye Lee Lopez is to mix with the likes of supermodel Naomi Campbell and American Beauty star Mena Suvari.

He was invited to judge and present awards at the annual Actors Models Talent Competition (AMTC) and is to travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles for the glitzy event.

Organisers invited Taye, of Swffryd, after seeing his modelling work and watching him as a finalist in last year's Mr Gay UK contest.

He works for the prestigious Samantha Bond Agency, and Storm, in London, and is to spend two weeks on the stateside trip mingling with A-list models and actors.

The awards recognise some of America's brightest young talents.

Taye, who graduated from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, with a sports science degree, is taking three friends with him.

It will be the first time in the States for the model, who is a little afraid of flying.

He said: "Being in San Francisco and Los Angeles with Naomi Campbell, American Beauty star Mena Suvari and loads of supermodels and actors will be very surreal.

"But I think as soon as I have stepped off the plane it will hit me," he said.

Other supermodels at the event will include Jada Bowen, Lucy Palmer and Amber Threadgill.

Taye is to judge an amateur model competition in San Francisco, and have a stint at presenting before flying to Los Angeles for the final.

He is no stranger to the celebrity lifestyle; he has been on Sky Television, modelling Calvin Klein's latest swimwear, and has been inundated with offers since being voted Wales' most eligible gay man in the National Mr Gay UK finals.

Taye said he would like to eventually pursue a career in presenting.

The awards will be screened on the MTV Base channel at the end of April.