You're not often present at the birth of a star. Which is why ZOO felt incredibly privileged to be in Newquay last week, when we crowned Rachael Casey the winner of our Boardmasters Babes Competition 2008.

The 18-year-old from County Durham beat off stiff (stop it) competition from our seven other sexy finalists to win herself a ZOO modelling contract and a surfing weekend in Spain!

Needless to say, she was a bit chuffed with her success...

You're now a ZOO model! How does it feel now you've won?
I can't believe it! I didn't even think I would come third! When we went backstage afterwards, I have to admit I shed a few tears.

How have you enjoyed doing your first ZOO photoshoot?
I have enjoyed every minute of it - even though it was freezing in the sea! I can't wait to do more. I'd like to do some on my own, but a few shoots with other girls would be cool. Charlotte McKenna's gorgeous, so it would be great to do one with her. Sammie Pennington would be good, too - but she might embarrass me because her boobs are so big!

Never! What are your measurements?
I'm not really sure. I got measured once and they told me I was 32DD. But then I bought a bra in the same shop and it didn't fit! Normally I wear 34C bras, but I think I'm probably bigger than that!

Are you ready to get hassled by footballers now?
I would never go out with a footballer! I had Steven Taylor - the Newcastle defender - try it on with me once. I went back to his house with some of my mates after a party and everyone ended up in his hot tub, but nothing happened! My mum's friend has been out with a lot of footballers, and I know from her never to get involved with one. Having said that, if she sold her stories she could make a fortune!

Who's she been out with?
She got drunk once and started telling some of us who they were. The lads were saying, "He plays for England now!" But I didn't know who any of them were!

So your parents know what you're letting yourself in for?
My dad used to be a model and my mum used to do modelling when she was younger. When she first met my dad, people were saying they were going to make her the next Linda Lusardi. But two weeks later, she was pregnant with me! She would have loved to do all this. She had me when she was 19 - she's only 38 now. She looks great for her age, so when we go out together, people always think we're sisters!

Wow! Will she be up for ZOO's first mother/daughter shoot?
Oh my God! She probably will be! She's mad!

Thanks to Errant Surf Travel and Newquays Finest

Errant Surf Holidays is Europe's leading surf travel company, offering tailor-made surfing holidays for all levels around the globe but if you’re simply looking for somewhere to stay in Newquay, Newquay’s Finest has it all.

PUB FACT: Rachael only left college six weeks ago and was working in a call centre until she won the Boardmasters competition