An Ely woman has earned third place as the UK’s ultimate female model in a prestigious event in London.

Ely Standard: Ely's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver HudsonEly's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver Hudson (Image: Archant)

Soraya Barrera Coello just wanted to take part but after six months of hard training she bagged a top slot in the contest.

Her friend Oliver Hudson said: “After losing motivation back in May, Soraya took drastic action to challenge herself and ensure that her fitness training would not falter.

Ely Standard: Ely's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver HudsonEly's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver Hudson (Image: Archant)

“Entering into the United Kingdom’s Ultimate Physique contest Soraya just wanted to compete but found herself taking home two medals at the northern championships and also a place at the finals.

“Working extra hard - if physically possible - during the two weeks between the semi finals and the finals, Soraya moved up in both categories coming in third as the UK’s ultimate female model and third in the UK´s Ultimate Bikini beginners category.”

Ely Standard: Ely's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver HudsonEly's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver Hudson (Image: Archant)

Soraya trains locally at The Atrium Fitness Club in Ely who have been very accommodating squeezing in training sessions, having all the staff support her, and even allowing her to use their mirrored hall to practice posing and modelling.

Placing third position with only six months preparation shows just how high quality her training was - provided her personal trainer Matt Nice.

Ely Standard: Ely's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver HudsonEly's Soraya Barrera Coello takes 3rd place as the UK's Ultimate Female Model. PHOTO: Oliver Hudson (Image: Archant)

She was also spotted as “special talent” and received two pro cards.

Because of her scores and commitment throughout both championship shows she has received an invitation from the judges to compete at The World Ultimate Physique challenge in a weeks time.