AN A-LEVEL student is one step closer to becoming the next big thing in the fashion world after reaching the finals of a nation-wide competition.

Scarlett Gianotti, 18, of Highlands Avenue, Loughton, only entered the Full Effect competition at the last moment, and was amazed she came through with her piece on how she would style X-Factor contestant Lucie Jones.

She said: “I was following Lucie Jones on Twitter and she posted about the competition. I only had a day to enter and thousands already had so it was really last minute. I didn't think I was going to make it, it was so rushed, but I did.

“I entered three weeks ago. It went really fast, and they let me know within a week I'd been short-listed.”

In order to win the competition, Trinity High School pupil Scarlett now needs people to vote for her in the WonderBra-sponsored competition.

If she scoops the top prize she will gets to meet Grace Woodward from Britain's Next Top Model to learn the tricks of the trade, have her own dress designed by Richard Sorger and go back stage at a fashion show.

She said: “I'm studying for my A-levels at the moment and fashion is something I really want to get into. I love collections and love to dress my friends and family. This competition is a really good opportunity for me to experience what it would be like in the fashion industry.”

People have until Monday, November 8 to vote for Scarlett at wonderbrafulleffect.co.uk/UK/