HER fabulous fashion career has taken her all over the world and she is now busy making her mark in the Big Apple.

But Jenny Richards made time for a three-day visit back home to Newport so she could celebrate her 20th birthday with her family.

Natural beauty Jenny became a household name after winning the Channel 4 Model Behaviour competition in 2001. Since then she has been snapped up for modelling jobs and featured in some top magazines, including the glossy Vanity Fair.

But she was determined to come home to be with her family - three-year-old daughter Lacey, mum Sheila Richards and dad Brian Robinson - for her special day. "It was brilliant," said her proud mum, who lives in the Gaer and cares for Lacey while Jenny is working. "We had balloons and Lacey and I made a cake."

Lacey, who will be four in October, is already following in her famous footsteps. "Jenny took her to Spain and Lacey did some modelling for one of the Saturday supplements," her proud grandmother said.

The youngster, who starts nursery in September, enjoyed the experience but became very bashful when shown the results.

Jenny, who lived most of her life in Bassaleg but was living briefly in Maesglas when she got her big break, phones home every night.

Lacey is used to her mum going away. "She tells everybody her mummy goes to work in an aeroplane."

Jenny only got into Channel 4's reality show Model Behaviour in the final stages when another contestant dropped out, but made such as impact she was crowned the winner out of 5,000 applicants.

Her prize was a year-long modelling contract, which launched her highly successful career.

Jenny also found time to back a charity which helps more than 75 million people in nearly 100 countries who are struggling with poverty, hunger and injustice. Last October she supported a World Vision campaign which raised awareness and money for people affected by famine in Southern Africa.