A YORK mother of seven has been chosen to model in a top fashion retailer’s latest advertising campaign.

Helen Heraty, 51, who owns the Gray’s Court bed and breakfast venue in Chapter House Street, York, has been chosen as one of four LK Bennett ambassadors to show off its spring/summer 2011 collection.

The designer fashion retailer had sought real women customers to be the face of their advertising campaign through a nationwide search.

Helen was entered into the competition by the Petergate store in York, where she was a loyal customer. “I have spent years living in jeans and T-shirts,” she said.

“But then a friend of mine told me that if I was going to be the first point of contact at Gray’s Court, I really needed to smarten myself up.”

Helen’s daughter, Amber, 18, who studies at York College, works at the Petergate store and suggested her mum should try their range.

“I just loved their clothes and started shopping there,” Helen said.

“When the manager asked if she could enter me and took a photo on her mobile phone, I never really thought much of it. Then I got a call inviting me to go down to London. I was sceptical, but they just kept calling me back.”

Helen had her hair and make-up done and modelled LK Bennett’s new collection at Syon Park, the Duke of Northumberland’s London residence by the Thames. She got to keep all the clothes, as well as an LK Bennett Anna bag.

Helen said her frantic lifestyle had kept her in great shape, despite giving birth to seven children now aged between five and 22.

“I have always eaten well and looked after myself, but I didn’t bother with a hairdresser or wear much make-up.”

Helen previously owned a bed and breakfast in Green Hammerton, which she built up over 20 years before selling it and buying Gray’s Court from the Dean and Chapter of York in 2005.

She and her husband, John, have refurbished the house to meet their vision of an exclusive boutique bed and breakfast. They first opened it as a tearooms in July 2009. The accommodation and fine dining restaurant will open at Easter.

“I never sit down. I’m always on the go,” she said.

Helen’s family – husband, seven children and stepson – are all proud of her, she said, at least after she promised that she would not be modelling any swimwear or underwear.