FORMER Saints stars Matt Le Tissier, James Beattie and Francis Benali turned catwalk models last night in memory of one very special little girl.

The Sophie’s Appeal fundraiser at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, organised by Beattie’s wife Sarah and compered by Mike Osman, raised thousands for the charity which helps sick children and bears the name of Sophie Barringer, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of six.

The footballing trio joined dozens of winners of a Daily Echo-backed modelling contest on the stage, including Benali’s daughter Kenzie.

The glamorous catwalk show was followed by an auction with lots including a week’s accommodation at the Beatties’ holiday home in Spain, football coaching for five with James Beattie, a box for Southampton’s clash with Sheffield United tomorrow night, a 34-inch flat screen TV, Hampshire cricket tickets and Bobbi Brown and Benefit goodies.

Bournemouth agency LMP Models are considering offering some of the models a contract after they impressed in a superb show.

James and Sarah Beattie are patrons of the charity after being touched by Sophie when she was a matchday mascot at St Mary’s.

Sheffield United striker Beattie had rushed to the venue after his team’s derby defeat to Sheffield Wednesday yesterday and returned to the north last night to prepare to take on Saints tomorrow night in Sheffield.