EIGHT Liverpool girls hit the runway last night at the launch of fashion brand, Lipsy’s, new Manchester store.

The models, aged 16 to 21, were discovered at the castings held at Malmaison last Friday for Julian Bennett’s new Liverpool talent agency, John Alexander.

Speaking ahead of last night’s launch, Julian, who presented TV show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, said: “Within an hour of seeing the girls on Friday, I’d got their pictures to Lipsy and they loved them.”

Of the eight girls, only two had modelled before and they had all been drilled in the art of strutting down the catwalk.

“They’ve been practising in their front rooms,” said Julian.

Amanda Ball, who was Miss Liverpool 2008, has been signed to Julian’s agency and hit the catwalk last night.

Speaking while having her make-up done ahead of the launch, the 19-year-old said: “All the girls are really excited and a bit nervous, too.”

“The clothes are amazing,” she added. “It’s going to be a special night.”

The launch was held at Manchester’s Circle Club.