Thirty-four junior high school graduates from southern China enrolled in a vocational school this fall for professional models, the Southern Metropolitan News reported on Tuesday.

"Model class" students undergo shape training at the Weiyuan Vocational School in Dongguan, located in Guangdong Province. [Photo: Southern Metropolis News]

They are all students of the first "model class", launched by the Weiyuan Vocational School in Dongguan, located in Guangdong Province. Supported by the municipal education administration, their three-year education is free of charge.

The 30 girls and four boys were selected on the basis of their test marks as well as their appearance. The girls are 1.7 meters tall on average and weigh no more than 52.5 kilograms. The boys range from 1.78 to 1.87 meters.

Dongguan is well-known for its garment manufacturing industry, where professional models are in high demand.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2007)