BBC to search for disabled model

12.00.00am GMT Fri 7th Mar 2008

The BBC is to launch a televised search for a disabled woman to become a fashion model. Britain's Missing Top Model will see eight women with disabilities compete to prove they have what it takes to become a mainstream model.

The winner will receive a high-fashion photo shoot and feature in a top glossy magazine. Women aged 18-30 who consider themselves to have a disability are invited to apply for the competition.

"This series aims to challenge the artificial boundaries that seem to exist in the beauty and fashion industries," BBC Three controller Danny Cohen said. "It would be great if in the future we began to see more disabled models gracing the covers of the world's magazines."

Three industry experts will train the eight contestants in every aspect of modelling, from posing for photo shoots to location work and catwalks.

The series will be supported by Ouch!, the BBC's disability website. Applicants can apply via Ouch!'s website, and the closing date for applications is 17 March 2008. Ouch! will also provide a forum for debate about the issues raised by the series, as well as exclusive video clips and blogs.

Britain's Missing Top Model will air on BBC Three in the summer.