Francesca is the Face of Essence (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Francesca is the Face of Essence

BUDDING models from the Cotswolds enjoyed a photo shoot at Le Spa in Stratton on Saturday as part of the Standard's Face of Essence competition.

In recent weeks hundreds of readers have been voting for who they want to be the cover girl of the next edition of Cotswold Essence.

And just before Christmas young Francesca Van Oss, who lives in Bibury, was told she had pipped the nine other finalists to the post.

Not only will the 16-year-old feature on the front cover of Essence in February, she has also won a break for two at Le Spa in January.

Francesca, who had the support of hundreds of friends and family, said: "I was really surprised to win. I only entered for fun because I saw the competition in the Standard. It was all very embarrassing.

"I have never really thought of modelling as a career in the past although I did a little acting when I was younger. We will see what happens."

Aside from the excitement of seeing her face on magazines all over the district, Francesca is also looking forward to her pampering session at Le Spa.

She is taking her mum Caroline because she thinks she will need a relaxing break after the strain of Christmas.

They will be able to use the gym, swimming pool and various indulgences on offer at the Stratton health club.

Sponsors New Visage, who supplied photographer Simon Bradford and stylist Kate Kelvin for the competition, also gave the youngster a framed copy of her winning portrait.

Furthermore, Rackhams House of Fraser donated gifts worth more than £100.

But many of Francesca's competitors did not leave the final empty-handed as they are now on the New Visage modelling books.

The runners-up as well as the winner have all had a taste of the profession and it seems there is every likelihood one of them will make the big time.

For the full story behind the Face of Essence competition pick up a copy of next February's edition, available from the Standard offices and free of charge.