5:37pm UK, Saturday September 20, 2003

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is to host London Fashion Week's British Style Awards ceremony.

Among the celebrities presenting awards will be Renee Zellwegger and Sex in the City actress Kim Cattrall.

Former Baywatch babe Pamela

Thursday's British Style Awards are described as the Oscars of the fashion industry.

Among the categories this year are British designer, glamour designer, model of the year, and high street fashion retailer.

The results of a vote for the most stylish male and female TV personality, along with movie actor and actress will also be announced at the ceremony.

Designers Jean Muir, Paul Smith, John Rocha and Jasper Conran are among the big name designers showing collections.


The bi-annual event, which kicked off on Saturday,is also seen as opportunity for young designers to step into the limelight.

Among the 50 catwalk shows over the next week will be four debut appearances from winners of the New Generation competition, sponsored by Top Shop.

The clothing industry produced almost £5 billion worth of goods last year and employs 127,000 people.

Overseas sales of the clothing and textile industries combined are Britain 13th biggest export, ahead of food, alcohol, iron and steel.