MODELLING has literally turned out to be the pits for Mon-mouth woman Dani-ella Lloyd - even though she's loving every minute of it.

That's because Daniella, 25, has clinched a key role in the Formula One Grand Prix experience as a Foster's pit girl for this year's top eight races.

After modelling assignments in South Africa, the Caribbean and Australia, she will be back on the grid on Sunday for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Daniella, who grew up on a farm near Monmouth, was discovered just after finishing her A- levels.

She was signed up by a modelling agency but soon left to enrol on a three-year marketing and French degree.

A year later she went back to the world of fashion - beginning her jet set career in 1997 when she was snapped up by top London modelling agency, Premier. Former Haberdashers' School pupil Daniella said: "University life was brilliant, but this is a great job and I've met some fantastic people."

Despite the glamorous image, Daniella had to put in 16-hour days for some assignments and she said the constant travelling can take its toll.

She said: "Often the days are from 4am until 8pm and that can go on for 10 days. "When I travel I make sure I drink plenty of water and sleep whenever I can. "Very often I don't know what I am doing next. It's not a 9 to 5 job and it's hard to plan a life around it.

"Every model goes through the 'am I ever going to work again?' stage, it can be difficult but you have to stick with it."

Now, Daniella is working for lads' magazine FHM as well as being a pit girl. She said: "There are five of us who go to the races and interview the drivers or any local celebs - it's so exciting."

But the work as a pit girl can have its drawbacks. She added: "I went to the Italian race at San Marino straight after arriving back from Cape Town and it was raining. "We had to shoot in the freezing cold but you've got to grit your teeth and bear it." Now, however, Daniella is getting the chance to warm up a little. She is off to Cyprus for a swim and sportswear photoshoot.

She is aiming for a long-term career in TV as a presenter. But Daniella is still a country girl at heart. She said: "I try to get out of the city as often as I can to relax and I also ride horses."

Mum Jacqueline said: "I've always known that she had the potential for modelling. "Daniella is not just beautiful, she is a very bright and intelligent woman."