A YOUNG woman from Otley is set to become the new 'face' of Body Shop - after winning a national competition.

Chloe Ewart, 24, will also feature in top women's magazine Marie Claire after beating off hundreds of other hopeful models from across the country.

But the former office worker, who had never thought of becoming a model, is more interested in jetting off to Australia in November where she will be taking part in a conservation project.

"It all seems a bit dreamlike and surreal, I still can't believe it. My friends think it's hilarious, but they're all really proud of me, they keep saying 'hello model'", she said.

Chloe is also keen to see the publication of her first children's book which she is putting together with an illustrator friend.

"I was flicking through Marie Claire and I saw the competition, it said they weren't looking for typical models and I thought it would be a bit of a giggle," she said.

She sent in two photographs of herself, together with a short essay on being the face of Body Shop, and was amazed to learn she had been shortlisted to just 20. After a trip to London, where more photographs were taken, she was put into the final ten.

And on Thursday last week, she was invited back to the prestigious Lansborough Hotel where she was announced as the winner.

Immediately afterwards, Chloe was whisked away for a photo shoot for a three page special in the October edition of Marie Claire.

"It was absolutely brilliant and so much fun and I got to wear this absolutely gorgeous dress."

Chloe's face will be used in Body Shop promotions across its hundreds of stores nationwide and in the October edition of Marie Claire she will be featured wearing designer clothes.

Chloe, who is 5ft4ins and wears a size ten in clothes, is off to Australia in November on a six weeks conservation project.

"I'm not really sure what I want to do, if I was offered a modelling contract, I'd probably take it. But I'm off to Brisbane in November doing a voluntary conservation project."

And when she gets back it will be all systems go for her children's book.

"I thought 'what am I good at.' I'm good at writing and I had this idea for a children's book. I've put it past a few people and they've said it is a good idea."

The competition was open to women of all shapes and sizes and was based as much on attitude as it was on looks.

Nicola Moulton, Marie Claire's deputy beauty editor and competition judge, said: "Chloe has everything we were looking for in the winner - a great personality, a strong, interesting face and a real sense of presence. She literally lights up a room when she walks in - we're really pleased for her."