A barmaid turned up to serve drinks during a fashion show - and ended up walking down the catwalk.

Lisa Coles, 22, was working at the Madame Geisha Restaurant in East Street, Brighton, for auditions for an upcoming Brighton Frocks event.

The student was serving drinks to other models when she was asked if she wanted to take part.

Lisa, who is studying Business Management at Brighton University, She was fast tracked through and found herself modelling in front of the casting director Bethania Matheus.

Alongside Lisa were another 150 hopefuls and after the final round of casting took place, 50 of them, including Lisa, have been selected to model on the catwalk.

With designers showcasing their collections all of the models will get at least one chance to model on the catwalk.

Liz Bishop, who organises Brighton Frocks, said: “All the designers were looking for different types of girl. Personality was most important rather than size, we wanted people who could express themselves and be confident.”

A modelling masterclass is being held in May with Bethania Matheus, who has worked as a model herself, to give the models extra confidence.

Lisa said: “I will definitely be going along. Being on the catwalk is pretty nervewracking, you don’t think about it you just do it.”

Whilst Lisa is enjoying her time as a model she won’t be giving up her studies just yet.

She added: “I would love to do it next year if I can but after that I will just see where it goes.”

The fashion show will take place in the Brighton Metropole Hotel on Friday May 22.

Over the weekend there will be a free emporium showcasing more designers as well as fashion installations throughout the city. The organisers are hoping to attract stars from the fashion industry such as Ben De Lisi as well as celebrities like Radio 1’s Chris Moyles.

Tickets cost £13 or £11 concessions (£9 for early booking concessions) and are available over the counter at the Dome box office, at www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk or by calling 01273 709709.