London-based W Models is to open its first overseas agency in Los Angeles, California.

The company, also known as W Fitness Models, already has a client base including fitness equipment suppliers and retailers, nutrition and supplementation distributors, many lifestyle and fitness magazines, and new media projects.

Said to be unique to the company and in contrast to the Size Zero debate which has been in the media spotlight recently, W Models' approach to sourcing models includes fitness testing them to ensure they are physically in great shape.

Managing Director, Michelle Washington explains: "In keeping with our policy criteria, our aim is to source models that not only have a strong presence in front of the camera but can also demonstrate that they are the natural product of living a healthy lifestyle including a thorough exercise regime and a balanced diet.

"We are confident that LA offers us the potential to not only create a successful model agency on the West Coast but ensure that the ethos behind our organisation - ie. that models should be role models - receives a wider audience."