A FORMER Holy Cross College student is striking a pose in a bid to win a top modelling contest.

Up-and-coming model Beth Humphreys, who went to Bury CE High School, is hoping to give her career a huge boost by winning a competition by men’s magazine FHM.

The ambitious 19-year-old, who is now studying economics and finance in London, is urging fans to vote for her in the 100 Sexiest Women contest.

Last year’s winner was X Factor judge and singer Tulisa Contostavlos and the bookmakers’ favourite for this year’s competition is Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan.

But proud northerner Beth said she would be delighted just to make it into the top 100, following in the footsteps of Bury-born Gemma Atkinson and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Rhian Sugden, of Radcliffe.

“The competition is intense. There are models, TV stars and musicians from across the UK and around the world such as Rihanna, Mila Kunis and Megan Fox, so it would be pretty cool if I made it on to the list,” said Beth, who is originally from Rochdale and moved to London last August to focus on her modelling career.

Beth, who studied chemistry, biology and sociology at Holy Cross, added: “I am really proud of my northern roots and Bury is my second home.

“Very few girls from Bury or Rochdale has ever been in the top 100 before so it would be great to be among them.”

Since moving to East London, Beth has modelled for French Connection clothing and also graced the cover of Front men’s magazine.

She now has 11,000 people following her updates on social network site Twitter and has modelled in Paris and Amsterdam, and will feature in the new music video of comedian Keith Lemon.

Beth said: “Things are going really well at the moment and I’m getting a lot of support from family and friends, which is always really important.

“I love to travel and to meet new people and modelling gives me a good chance to do that, while still studying.

“I would be extremely grateful if as many people from Bury as possible vote for me online. It would mean the world to me.”

To vote visit fhm.com/ girls/covergirls/ beth-humphreys. Voting closes next Thursday.