The audience cheered and whooped as 40 aspiring models strutted their stuff along a catwalk in The Mall Bristol during the semi-final of the search for Bristol's Next Top Model.

Shoppers stopped in their tracks to watch the girls and guys stride out in front of a panel of three judges.

Each model had their own supporters with them but other onlookers were also there for the free show, viewing the stage from all levels in the shopping centre.

Carolyn Skinner, events manager for Bristol News and Media, said: "There were hundreds of people watching – it was really popular, with a lot of excitement in the air.

"All the semi-finalists were so pleased to be there and it was a really hard decision to choose the 16 to go through to the final next month.

"Those who were selected were all over the moon but those who didn't get through will still be invited to the final with a guest to enjoy what will be a great event."

The aspiring models were interviewed on the catwalk by Andrew Collins as well as being judged on their looks and personality by Evening Post editor-in-chief Mike Norton, Jenny Clark of Bristol-based Mustard Model Agency and Steve Durrant from Tomlinsons Hairdressing.

Each semi-finalist wore a white T-shirt donated by The Mall Bristol for their moment in the spotlight.

The 16 chosen for the deciding round will now have their own photo shoots around Bristol before the grand final, when just one girl and one guy will be selected.

As well as a modelling contract with Mustard Models, the winners will get an initial photo shoot with Mustard and get help developing a professional portfolio with ongoing support and advice.

Other prizes include a year's free membership at Carrefour gym in Union Street; a VIP package to Joe Public's nightclub in Queen's Avenue, Clifton; a year's worth of manicures at the Champagne Nail Bar in Harvey Nichols for the winning girl and a £250 Harvey Nichols voucher for the winning guy.

The 16 going forward to the final are: Angela Ogborne, Ashley Rogers, Chris Kite, Dale Jones, Jacob Goff, Jane Cheng, Jessie Barton, Lauren Clail, Marcus Chapman, Martyn Bennett, Melanie Spencer, Mitchell Ashmead, Natasha Nair, Ollie Gostlin, Stephanie Aitkenhead and Storm Kennedy.