Claire Reid, 22, a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, Cupar, has made it through the past five weeks of judging in Uber Girl Scotland 2009, the winner of which will receive a year's modelling contract and £10,000.

Employed at the Laurel Bank Hotel in Markinch, she is growing ever more excited as the Uber Girl competition progresses and said this week: ''I've actually gone further than I expected, as there are a lot of gorgeous girls in the competition from all parts of Scotland.

''I am confident in myself and enjoying every minute of it.

''Up to 31 girls are being eliminated from the competition each week until the final 10 reach the grand final in Glasgow in August.

''It would be wonderful to get to that stage and anything else would just be a bonus.''

The competition, run by Glasgow beauty brand, Uber Girl, is aiming to find a Scottish girl who will become a real force in the fashion modelling world.

Last year, Claire entered Miss Kingdom FM and reached the final, which was where she got the modelling bug.

''I tend to put other people before myself but It was great to get that far and, through that, I met a lot of nice people in the business, like models,'' she added.

Claire, who lists shopping and karaoke among her interests, explained: ''I'm already quite a confident person, but you'd be amazed just how something like this can give you a boost - especially if you are of a shy and retiring nature.

''I've been working with all sorts of people for a number of years now, and I flatter myself that I can get along with everyone.

''You never know what is going to happen in life, but nothing will unless you do something about it.''