It’s looking good for our cover stars

The delighted pair beat off the competition to scoop the 2011 crown in the search for the cover stars of the Advertiser’s sister magazine, Chase.

More than 150 people attended the grand final at Hellaby Hall Hotel, where the 18 finalists were introduced to the audience by compere James Brandon and quizzed on their modelling credentials by a panel of judges. While the judges retired to pick their top three male and female contestants, 2010 Yorkshire’s Got Talent finalists Daniel Taylor and Gemma Taylor entertained the audience.

And it was Emma (22) and 20-yearold Simon who emerged victorious, with Rebecca Vernon, Lucy Grainger, Michael Ebdon and Scott Fudge taking the runners-up spots.

Emma and Simon each won a 12- month contract with DK model management of Sheffield, a year’s membership of Bodyscene Health Club at Hellaby Hall Hotel and 12 months free hairstyling at the Amen and Red Couture salons, courtesy of Adrian Allen. They will also be the stars of a photoshoot at Video and Memories in Rotherham, feature on the front cover of the winter edition of Chase, and represent the Advertiser at all its public events.

All the top three girls received bunches of flowers, courtesy of Millie’s Florists, while the boys won bottles of wine.

Emma, of Progress Drive, Bramley, said: “It was a big shock to win but I’m really pleased.

“I’ve never done anything like this before so being up on stage in front of all those people was a really big thing. “I can’t believe I’ve won. I’m really excited about the photoshoot and being on the front cover of the magazine.” Simon, of Herringthorpe Valley Road, added: “It was something I entered to win so I’m delighted and really looking forward to what comes next. “I decided to enter after comments from other people saying I should do it and I was calmer up on stage than I expected to be.

“I would really like to be a model and I can’t wait to be on the cover of Chase.”

Events manager Tracie Midgley said: “The event was a great success and all contestants thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“It was a hard decision for the judges on the night but the winning boy and girl will make for a great front cover on our next issue of Chase magazine and it will be a great first step on the ladder for their respective modelling careers.”