IT'S EVERY schoolgirl's dream - to be a top fashion model fronting beauty magazines the world over.

But for one Hampshire youngster it is about to become a reality.

Despite still being only 11 years old, Zara Sparkes could soon become the next Kate Moss after taking to the catwalk in a prestigious fashion competition.

Zara, from Chandler's Ford, beat more than 4,000 other young hopefuls to win second place in the national model search.

Now scouts from a top London agency have Zara in their sights as the next big thing.

But success is almost second nature to the talented youngster who was ranked seventh in the country in the under-12s section of the British rhythmic gymnastics championships earlier this year.

For Zara, her winning performances in the sports arena since the age of seven were the perfect training for taking on the modelling world.

Zara, of Guildford Drive, who attends The Gregg School in Southampton, said of the London final of the Search for A Model competition, launched by MK One clothing and Live and Kicking magazine: "I wasn't nervous on the catwalk because of all the competitions I have been in.

"It felt really great to be there and I was very pleased when I came second.

"The best thing is that Kids model agency wants to sign me up."

But the choice between the high life of the fashion world and the glory of top-flight gymnastics will not be an easy one for the talented youngster.

Zara, who will be competing in the southern region championships later this month, said: "The best thing about gymnastics is it's fun and sometimes you get good results.

"But with modelling it's good being able to have all the clothes.

"I don't think I can choose."

Zara's mother, Diane, 43, a housewife who also has a 14-year-old son, Adam, says only time will tell what the future has in store for her daughter.

But of Zara's modelling prospects, she added: "She has a good personality, likes mixing with people and I think she's pretty. I think she's got what it takes."