Parents have been warned not to pay up-front fees to modelling agencies.

Trading Standards issued the advice after being made aware of concerns about an agency.

Runway Models Limited held a recruitment event for budding models in Hull last weekend.

People were invited to a walk-in session at The Gilson Hotel in the city centre.

The event attracted hundreds of children, accompanied by their parents.

Parents were asked to pay up-front for portfolio photographs.

Runway Models Ltd insists it is a reputable company and does not charge an up-front joining fee.

Ann Woodward, of Long Riston, near Beverley, took her 15-year-old son to the session.

But she is now concerned her money has not been well spent.

She said: "I saw the advert and thought, a little naively, it would be a good move.

"My son, Dominic, has been interested in doing this kind of work.

"They told us we would need to pay £325 for a portfolio, but we would be refunded if no work was found.

"But the next day I was disturbed by it and did some research. I became worried and I have asked for my money back."

Equity trade union representative Clive Hurst has campaigned against the practices of some model agencies for several years. He said: "Unfortunately, most people who attend these events don't realise what the situation is.

"I don't think the Government can put in robust enough regulations to really tackle this."

In a separate case, Clare Webster, of Cottingham, forked out £750 for her three boys when another company visited the city last year.

She went to The Gilson Hotel on Saturday to alert other parents to her experience. She said: "I took my boys to a photo shoot with an agency, which cost me £750.

"Afterwards, I decided to do some research and what I found out concerned me.

"I rang up my bank to tell them to hold payment and some time later the money reappeared in my account.

"Everyone wants their child to have a better start in life, but sometimes this is taken advantage of."

People turned up at the event in response to an advertisement placed in the Mail, which we took in good faith. Sunny Sanger, general manager of The Gilson Hotel, told the Mail he took the booking for a suite and bedrooms in good faith.

Hull's Trading Standards has confirmed it is aware of Runway Models Ltd.

Spokesman Mike Pinder said: "This is a promotion we were made aware of last week.

"On the face of it, there appears to be no breach of trading standards legislation. But we have serious concerns about this type of promotion.

"If you are asked to pay money up front, alarm bells should start ringing."

Nicky Butler, of Runway Models Ltd, insists they make every effort to find agencies willing to take on their clients, but admits they do not find work directly.

He said: "Clive Hurst has his views, but he has no effect on us whatsoever. We are a reputable company who scout for model agencies.

"We do not charge up-front fees and the portfolio is not obligatory, but it is more convenient. Everyone receives the portfolio and we actively look for model agencies to recruit them.

"If they are unsuccessful, those who signed up will get their money back."