A CHESTER fashion designer set out to pick five ‘real women’ to model at his latest show – but was so impressed with the applicants he had to pick six.

Matthew O’Brien announced the finalists who will appear at his hotly-anticipated event at the city’s racecourse on the evening of Friday, June 7.

They are: Keiley Dowridge and Charlotte Birkett from Chester; Rebecca Hughes and Linda Rogers from Wirral; Pamela Sheerin from Wilmslow; and Kristin Williams from Knutsford.

Said to be the largest fashion show outside of London, Matthew’s event will also feature entertainment from X-Factor finalist Jay James, Sing Out Gospel Choir and an after party.

All proceeds will be donated to Lady Taverners and the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Matthew received over 100 applications from women as far afield as Lancashire and a shortlist of women were invited to join him at Opera Bar and Grill to meet his partners Clogau jewellery, City Aesthetics and Philip Hughes hairdressing.

The finalists will get the chance to appear on the catwalk of the fashion show in a bespoke dress with professional hair and make-up.

The overall winner of the ‘Real Women’ campaign will be announced on the night and will win the gown they are modelling and feature in future campaigns.

Charlotte, from Chester, said: “I am so happy to have been chosen. I entered the competition as I recently lost seven stone and I wanted to get my confidence back. I am so excited to be part of this show and get to wear a stunning dress that has been designed just for me!”

Keiley, who also lives in the city, added: “I have coveted a skirt from Matthew’s showroom for a while now so I joked with my mother that if I entered and was chosen I would treat myself to it! Not only am I going to be buying the skirt but I’m also going to be modelling another of his amazing creations!”

Matthew said: “It was amazing to meet so many of the women who had entered the competition and I would like to thank them all for entering and supporting me. It was really inspiring to read why the women had wanted to become the face of Matthew O’Brien.

“It was so difficult to choose five finalists that we ended up with six! I am sure the finalists will love every minute of the spectacular fashion show and all the amazing entertainment we have planned. They can then all have a great time at the after party!”

Tickets for the show are available at www.mattobrien.co.uk