WHEN she was a Newport schoolgirl, Jenny Richards and her friends fasted for 24 hours to raise money for starving youngsters in the Third World.

Eight years later and Jenny - now a globe-trotting fashion model - is again helping the less fortunate.

But this time she is the one fronting the campaign, to encourage teenagers to take part in this year's World Vision 24-hour Famine campaign.

The former Bassaleg Comprehensive School pupil - who was 18 when she won Channel 4's Model Behaviour competition in 2001 - launched this year's 20th anniversary World Vision 24-hour Famine, with the likes of TV presenter Fearne Cotton and ex-Hear'say singer Myleene Klass.

The event raises money for poverty-stricken youngsters, aiming to equip them with skills to improve their lives. This year it is focusing on Sierra Leone, in Africa.

Three years ago Jenny spent ten days in Mozambique as an ambassador for the charity and witnessed for herself the work World Vision was carrying out.

It was a world away from the five-star hotels and glitz and glamour she was fast becoming used to.

"We stayed in this hotel in the middle of nowhere. It was quite a shock because I was so used to staying in really nice places.

"Seeing and meeting the people and hearing their stories makes it so much more real." Jenny saw children the same age as her daughter - six-year-old Lacey - which she says brought home to her the human suffering.

Thousands of teenagers across the UK will be sponsored to go without food for 24 hours from March 17 to 19 to raise money to help young people in the war-torn country.

Jenny has a message for teenagers: "Just do it - it's 24 hours, it's not going to kill you and it's a really great cause.

"And if you're not doing it yourself, then sponsor someone who is.

"Here in the UK we are in a position to really make a difference to the lives of children in countries like Sierra Leone, torn apart by war and poverty."

World Vision's youth manager, Matt Wenham, says: "We are delighted so many celebrities and models such as Jenny have decided to get involved and help raise awareness of the 24-hour Famine campaign this year.

"We hope their support will encourage lots of teenagers to give up food or something else for just one day, so that others don't have to."

l To take part in the 24-hour Famine call 01908 841212, or log on to www.24hourfamine.org.uk