Eighty-four shows, 435 designers and 10 seasons in, Oxford Fashion Week celebrated in style last night as organisers announced the Face of 2016.

Anya Conlon, a 17 year-old from Burford, who is studying business at Witney College, was the close-run winner after a nail-biting finish.

IN PICTURES: See who she was up against

Oxford Mail:

OFW directors Tiffany Saunders and Carl Anglim were deep in discussion just minutes before the final decision was made because the quality of models, who auditioned at last week’s castings, was sky high.

Tiffany, herself a former Face of OFW, said: "Since becoming a director I have always known who The Face would be fairly early on, but this year it has been a really difficult decision because the standards were so high.

"However I am happy with my decision because Anya is not only beautiful but a really lovely person.

Anya said she was 'absolutely delighted.'

Already signed to modelling agencies in Oxford and London she has long harboured a career in fashion and says this is the perfect stepping stone.

She featured in the OFW catwalk shows in October.

“I am so excited," she beamed.

“And I really hope this gets my face out there and raises my profile.

"OFW is a great organisation and a very gentle way to get into the fashion industry so I can’t wait for the catwalk shows on Friday."

Earlier 10 contestants battled it out to win the Face of Oxford title.

OFW’s two runway shows are at 6pm and 8pm and tickets are available at oxfordfashionweek.co.uk