A teenage model has set her sights on a glamorous fashion career after winning a coveted catwalk prize.

Kiane Ashman-Swaby, 17, was crowned Top Model of Colour at a glitzy award ceremony after beating thousands of runway hopefuls.

The student of Hythe Road, Thornton Heath, bagged a contract with a leading agency after winning the annual competition for models across the world of African, Caribbean, Hispanic, Asian and mixed-race heritage.

And ambitious Kiane, who studies business and dance at Richmond-upon-Thames College, already dreams of launching her own modelling agency and penning a book.

She said: "I had an idea that I may have got into the top five, but to win overall was just amazing.

"I was totally over the moon. My reaction when I won was amazing, I was emotional with joy as it was such an achievement to have won the overall title."

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Kiane Ashman-Swaby

Kiane, who began modelling as an eight-year-old before taking to the catwalk aged 13, added: "My hopes for the future would be to continue with my modelling and become more successful in all that I do and learn as much as possible throughout my journey.

"Now that I'm currently signed to Mahogany Model Management, I'm hoping it will enhance my modelling career further as I am a dedicated young lady who always exercises a positive and professional attitude and is committed to succeeding in all that I desire.

"I also hope to one day launch my own perfume brand, write my own book and own my own modelling agency."

Top Model of Colour entrants must submit a portfolio of pictures, face one-on-one judging stages, attend rehearsals and answer questions on modelling and fashion before a grand finale in Covent Garden's Grand Connaught Rooms judged by Andrew Patterson, creative producer of America's Next Top Model.

He said: "Kiane has the beauty to make a real model of herself in this industry. Out of the girls she stood out as having immediate potential."