A FASHION student, from Kilgetty has proved she has got real specs appeal after being crowned Wales' Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Stephanie Westwood (pictured) was one of hundreds of hopefuls who entered Specsavers 13th annual international modelling competition and was chosen by a panel of judges, including industry experts, at the Wales final, held at Specsavers in Cardiff.

The 22-year-old said: "I am shocked to have been chosen to go through to represent Wales at the international grand final in London, I didn't think I stood a chance.

"I love my glasses - they are so much a part of who I am and have become my favourite fashion accessory. There are so many styles and colours to choose from these days."

Sporty Miss Westwood, who works two jobs as well as studying for her degree in fashion design, loves a challenge and recently kayaked 10.5 miles, raising £1,200 for The Joshua Foundation. She also made it to the Miss Wales final earlier this year.

The decision was made by a panel of top judges, including Anthony Gordon, of Premier Models, Claire Rees, of Media Wales, and James Deavall, manager of Specsavers in Cardiff. Contestants were judged on their facial features, hair, vitality, personality and overall 'specs appeal'.

Andy Britton, store director at Specsavers in Haverfordwest, said: "We're thrilled that an entrant from Pembrokeshire has made it through to represent Wales at the international grand final. Stephanie is a really strong contestant and we wish her the very best of luck."

Miss Westwood will be up against specs wearers from Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, as well as winners of the heats in Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands at the international grand final at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on Tuesday, October 27.

The star-studded event, in aid of anti-bullying charity Kidscape, will be judged by Channel 4 presenter and celebrity stylist Gok Wan, celebrity hairdresser Errol Douglas, as well as national and international media judges.

The top prize includes a one-year modelling contract with London agency Premier Model Management, an all-inclusive, two-week break to St. Lucia or Barbados, courtesy of Almond Resorts and Kuoni, including £250 spending money, a fabulous goody bag from Matrix and Barry M. Cosmetics, £150 Specsavers designer eyecare voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year trophy.

By entering this year's Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition, Miss Westwood has also helped to raise money for Kidscape. Specsavers is donating £1 for every eligible entry it has received in this year's competition to the anti-bullying charity, which will help them continue with their valuable work with children and young people.