THE tension and excitement of competition added extra zest to a fashion show held in Andover's Chantry Centre on Saturday.

The original 600-plus who entered Modelsearch, staged in association with the Andover Advertiser, had been whittled down to just 20 finalists.

Excited shoppers were treated to three shows throughout the day featuring the latest clothing and accessories available from retailers in the centre.

Models aged between six to 41 showed clothes and accessories from Adams, Tchibo, Indulgence, New Look, Bay Trading, Select and Claire's Accessories.

Leightons Opticians supplied sunglasses and there was a selection of mobile phones from T-Mobile.

With the final show came the difficult decision of choosing the winners in each category.

After much deliberation the judges - from centre management, Select and Modelsearch - finally made their decisions and all contestants were invited back on to the stage.

The winners in the aged four to six category were Lauren Coleman and Cameron Tobin, both aged six and both from Andover.

In the seven to 10 age group the winners were Sam Edgell, aged nine from Andover and Alice Longshaw, also aged nine, from Collingbourne.

The winners in the 11 to 15 category were Florence Valenzia, aged 13, and Anthony Barnett, aged 14, both from Andover. A second prize was awarded to Sophie Ramsey, aged 12, also from Andover.

In the adult competition Daryl Spires, aged 41, and Georgie Russell, aged 17, were picked as winners. A second prize was awarded to Amy Redfern, aged 18, from Amport.

The eight winners received shopping vouchers from the centre. Second prizes were donated by The Body Shop and Supercuts.

"We were impressed by the quantity and quality of entries, as well as the confidence, enthusiasm and professional attitude of all the models. Getting this far from over 600 entries is a fantastic achievement. They are all winners," said Steve Cotney, Chantry Centre manager.