A MALVERN modelling hopeful put her fate in the hands of an Olympic gymnast.

Laura Young faced a tough test in a Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model challenge that focussed on strength and saw her join Louis Smith on a pommel horse - the discipline in which he won a silver medal at London 2012.

Although not completely satisfied with the end result, the 19-year-old former Chase School pupil drew praise from the Sky Living show’s head judge and former supermodel Elle Macpherson.

Miss Young said: “It was really challenging but he was really lovely and very helpful. He was supporting all of my body, so I was really grateful he didn’t drop me.”

She added: “I was pleased but not as pleased as I could be because the tension showed in my face as I was trying not to fall in stilettos.

“But my legs looked good and Elle said she liked them.”

Now studying at Hereford Sixth Form College, she feels her time as member of West Malvern Irish Dancers when growing up has helped her confidence and stage presence.