A FORMER Southbourne schoolgirl says she is shocked after winning the chance to be named the UK's most fanciable girl.

Political journalism student Nicky Smith, 21, from Dingle Road, Bournemouth, will find out today if she has been shortlisted for the title of More magazine's Most Fanciable Girl in the UK.

More launched the competition as an alternative to the conventional beauty contest following suggestions from its readers.

To collect the title the winning girl must have attitude, style and a sense of humour, says More.

She must be the girl guys are desperate to go out with and who can make people laugh.

Nicky, who appears in the latest edition of More magazine in heat three of the competition, is hoping to win the most votes today, which will see her go through to the grand final on June 30.

Amazingly, Nicky's picture, chosen from hundreds of other girls, was taken on a rainy day in Covent Garden when she was wearing no make-up.

Nicky said: "I am just in complete shock but it is cool to be in the final. What is nice about this competition is that it's girls voting for it.

"It is more of a compliment if girls think you're attractive rather than boys as girls are more choosy.

"I have never even considered being a model.

"I think I'm far too big. I am also having braces fitted on my teeth soon so that will be funny if I win."

Nicky's future ambition is to appear in Vogue but as a writer rather than one of the models, she joked.

First published: May 10