The Final
Sunday, 11th Mayl 2008

MOVE over Kate Moss and step aside Lily Cole – Warren Phillips and Lauren McDonnell are Gloucestershire’s tip to be the next top models.

The pair were picked from 240 hopefuls to win the inaugural Face of Gloucestershire competition at a glitzy ceremony.

They wowed the crowd as they took to the catwalk in Revolution to parade in front of the panel of judges.

The final 16 contestants, fresh from a makeover at Blushes in Cheltenham, strutted their stuff to loud cheers from the audience before explaining why they should be the winners.

Drama student Lauren, 19, from Stonehouse, said it was clear she should win.

"Look at this face," she said. "What do you think?"

The judges clearly agreed and she took the girls’ title from other finalists including her friend and fellow Cirencester College student Rose Goatley.

As she celebrated with a glass of champagne, Lauren said: "I’m speechless. All my friends and family are here. I can’t believe it."

Lauren’s parents Melissa and Paul nominated her for the competition.

Melissa said: "I thought she was going to win but maybe I’m biased. Lauren is a lovely girl. She’s beautiful and has a lovely personality. I always thought she could do it."

There were loud cheers from the balcony when Warren Phillips was announced as the male winner.

The 20-year-old careworker, from Hempsted, was supported by his brothers and sisters as he took his crown.

"I can’t believe this," he said. "My brother Martin nominated me and he’s here tonight. I’m over the moon to win but I don’t quite know what to do."

Earlier Warren had named his mum as the most important person in his world but she was missing from his crowd of supporters having jetted off on holiday earlier in the evening.

Warren said: "I love her so much. I have to thank her for everything."

His older sister Katie was one of the first to rush downstairs and congratulate him.

She said: "I’ve done modelling competitions and I was so nervous for him. He’s the baby of the family."

Warren and Lauren’s prizes include a year’s modelling contract with London-based agency Rah Productions, £500 of shopping vouchers, £500 of jewellery vouchers and the chance to be the face of Gloucestershire Media and Blushes hairdressers for a year.