Model Francesca is really sitting pretty - VIDEO

But Francesca Thomas took things one step further, when she paid a visit to Meadowhall - and bagged a career in modelling.

The 16-year-old decided to join a queue of hopeful girls in the shopping centre's Oasis foodcourt waiting to take part in a competition run by Sugar magazine and cosmetics giants Rimmel in an effort to find the country's top six young models.

The youngsters would have a quick polaroid snap, be handed a bag full of make-up, and told to keep their fingers crossed.

But as Francesca walked away from the line of girls with her goody-bag in hand, she was stopped by one of the organisers and told she could make it big in the modelling world.

Weeks later she found herself in the final six - and then won a contract with super-cool London modelling agency ICM, which represents supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Lizzy Jagger, Erin O'Conner and Helena Christensen.

"I never thought I would be picked. I just went to Meadowhall because I was bored during the school holidays.

"I heard that the competition was being held so I just thought I'd give it a go," said Francesca, of Langsett Road South, Oughtibridge.

The pretty teenager certainly looks the part - and even has a tiny Paris Hilton-style dog in the shape of Charlie the terrier - and she's slowly getting used to the trials of posing in front of the camera.

"People think it must be so easy, but it's not. Sometimes I have to stay in the same position for an hour-and-a-half and I end up with a stiff neck.

"I have done a couple of castings now, one of which was with Sugar magazine, and I'm just waiting to see what happens next. I spoke to one girl, who was 14, and she said she earns more than her parents. I'm looking forward to that," she added.

But Francesca is unlikely to let the modelling world go to her head. ICM has encouraged the well-grounded youngster not to forget her studies, to take care of her body, and to ensure she manages her money correctly.

And although Sugar gave her the sweet taste of success, she's still set to enrol at Sheffield Health and Beauty College, based in the city centre, as he career in modelling takes off.