Picture Ref: 76835-28AN aspiring model is hoping for her big break after taking to the catwalk in an international competition.

Helenka Nowicka, of Chamberlain Road, Stratton St Margaret, jetted off to the Caribbean island of Martinique for two weeks to represent Poland in the Miss Model International Competition.

She did not win the competition but was spotted by photographers and choreographers from Milan and America.

And the Swindon-born marketing co-ordinator is now confident that she is one step closer to strutting her stuff on the catwalk.

Helenka, 24, was chosen to represent Poland, her parents' native country, after signing up with a London based modelling agency.

The former St Joseph's School student said: "It was absolutely fantastic. There were a few changes. They only gave prizes for first, second and third and not the Miss Confident, Miss Personality and Miss Photogenic categories, which we were originally told. But the experience was out of this world."

There were 60 women, each from a different country around the world, competing to be crowned Miss International 2005.

Helenka said: "Some of the girls were catwalk models in their own country and I was able to get contacts for agencies from all over the world."

The beauty contest, which was won by Miss India, was held in the island's football stadium.

Helenka had to walk up and down the catwalk 12 times, wearing different outfits.

One of the gowns Helenka wore was designed by top designers Bernshaw, who have dressed Julia Roberts and Jamie Lee-Curtis for the Oscars.

Helenka said: "I wasn't nervous at all, it's so in me to do this. I really enjoy modelling."

Along with trying to walk down the catwalk gracefully, the models also had to dance in front of the judges.

Helenka was kept busy for the entire trip with local newspaper, radio and television interviews.

Her next step is to build up a professional portfolio of pictures, which she can use to promote herself.

And Helenka is already prepared for the harsh reality of the modelling world.

"I accept that rejection is all part of the game."

Lyndsay Scanlan