Successful Feltham model Katie-Marie Cork got her big break in the Sun's famous glamour feature two years ago - but she has a warning for any young girls looking to get into the cut-throat industry.

Thousands of starry-eyed youngsters dream of following in the stilleto-clad foot steps of their favourite supermodel or glamour girl.

But with government inspectors handing out warnings to nine unscrupulous London agencies last week, the pitfalls of pursuing a modelling career are more glaring than ever.

"I was very lucky because I got into the business through the Sun's Page Three Idol competition," she said. "But I have lots of friends who've been stung.

"People within the industry tend to be very reliable, because word would spread quickly if they weren't, but there are dodgy people hanging around the sidelines."

"I know people who've been charged hundreds of pounds for photos and not even got any work out of it. Really you shouldn't have to hand over large amounts unless they've actually found you work."

Former Feltham Community College pupil Katie-Marie, 21, has been modelling for two years and regularly appears in the pages of Zoo, Nuts and the Daily Star.

She says she often speaks to teenage girls who are spending large amounts of money on tanning and grooming, or considering expensive cosmetic enhancements to help them break in to the modelling industry.

"I tell them not to do it," she said. "The best advice is to do some research, go to a proper agency, and ask them what they are looking for.

"They will tell you honestly if they think you can make it and what area or look you should go for."

Katie Marie also advises girls to make sure they take a friend or family member along to early shoots and to always say 'no' if they are asked to do something they feel uncomfortable with.

The Employment Agency Standards team acted in London, last month, following reports of improper activity in agencies supplying staff in the modelling and entertainment sectors.

Of the nine offending agencies, inspectors found 37 separate infringements of the law, including charging illegal fees.

Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden said: "There are some agencies willing to exploit models and entertainers who think they've got the X-Factor but don't know their rights. 

"This behaviour is unacceptable and agencies that flout the law should get their final curtain call.

"The Government has doubled the number of Employment Agency Standards inspectors so that they can get out on the ground and target the rule-breakers."

Follow up investigations will take place to make sure that the agencies concerned have acted to change their ways. Agencies that continue to disobey the law could be prosecuted, hit with fines up to £5,000 or even banned from operating for up to 10 years.

Top tips from the Employment Agency Standards team include being careful of anyone who makes extravagant claims, or promises to find you work straight away, and never signing anything or pay any money on the day.

They also recommend you make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of a contract and ask plenty of questions before signing anything.

People can report employment agencies they suspect of breaking the law by contacting the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate on 0845 955 5105 or email eas@berr.gsi.gov.uk.

To follow Katie Marie's career visit www.Katie-Marie.net