SCORES of model hopefuls were scrutinised by a panel of judges looking for the best catwalk talents for the fifth Oxford Fashion Week.

A total of 135 men and women took part in casting interviews at the Malmaison Oxford Hotel on Saturday and yesterday. Judges will now meet choose about 50 models, who will be expected to strut their stuff in five separate shows from March 3-9 Fashion Week Director Carl Anglim said: “I felt the quality was very good and I was very happy with the turnout.

“Each show has about 60 walks so, for each, we will need at least 30 models who will do one change.”

He said models came from as far as London and Manchester as well as from Oxfordshire.

Tomorrow, organisers will launch a competition to help the public choose the face of Oxford Fashion Week.

If the event is successful, Mr Anglim said he would consider organising a second fashion week in November.

Oxford Fashion week will include couture, high street, concept, lingerie and cosmopolitan shows.