South West

In today's world of highly paid models, it's no surprise that many young girls dream of being the next big thing in the modelling world.

Modelling is seen by many young hopefuls as the ultimate path to glamour and riches.

Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Karen Elson are three of Britain's top models, regarded by many teenagers as style icons.

But breaking into the world of modelling can be a tough business, with only a few aspiring girls realising their dreams.

Inside Out discovered how one model agency is making money from what are often false hopes, leaving some young dreams shattered.

The casting couch

West 1 Casting Ltd - also known as West 1 - promises that if you've got what it takes, then they'll find you a model agency.

Emily from Newton Abbot is 17-years-old who wants to be a model - in 2006, she thought her big chance had finally come.

Her mother saw an advertisement in the local paper.

But then came a shock. The advert promised a free photo test shot, but it didn't mention that Emily would be asked for an 'up front' administration fee:

"You don't think about it because you think you're going to get this money back anyway. I just felt used and annoyed and really upset," says Emily looking back.

So we decided to go undercover to find out exactly what it takes to get on West 1's books.

Up front fees

West 1 is actually not a model agency - they called themselves a management company and promise that they'll find you a model agency.

But after charging £189 up front, what they do is to recommend candidates to another company.

West 1 had organised a two-day casting in Plymouth, and once again advertised a "free" photo test shot.

Our wannabe found himself among hundreds of hopefuls, mainly teenagers.

After a warm welcome and a free photo test, it was straight down to business.

Simon was offered a reassuring guarantee - the company would find him an agent or he'd get his money back.

After parting with £189, Simon got his photo shoot and everything seemed to be going well.

"Following a chat with them, I was pretty confident that I would have a modelling job," says Simon.

Hidden Talent

Simon received a letter and a call from Hidden Talent, saying that he was exactly what they were looking for and they had a job lined up for him.

There was just one snag - he has to pay a further £150.

Of course you could say that anyone wanting to be a model has only themselves and vanity to blame if it all goes pear-shaped.

But West 1 looks and feels like the real deal.

The up front admin fee charged by West 1 is, according to industry experts, unacceptable.

For those who sign up with West 1, they are looking at paying not just one but two up front fees.

West 1 says that it has no link with Hidden Talent and they have different offices… we just happened to notice that both West 1 and Hidden Talent mail is posted at the same post office.

So be warned, you could end up paying a lot of money for some dodgy snaps and no guaranteed work.

As for future aspiring models, there is now an early day motion which aims to stamp out agency up front fees.

But for our models, they were left disappointed, having learned the hard way...

West 1 Casting Ltd say they are carrying on a lawful business and have been monitored in detail and on a regular basis by the DTI (now the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) and other agencies.