NOT MANY can say they have graced the runway at Paris Fashion Week - and even fewer have also starred in the Southern League.

Dinesh Gillela has strutted his stuff both on the runway in Paris and on the pitch at the Ray Mac, with the former AFC Bournemouth youngster’s first steps in the world of modelling coming after a debut season in senior football.

A model professional during his time in the youth ranks at the Vitality Stadium, versatile Gillela has effectively been scouted twice – first as a footballer, before being picked out by a photographer whilst doing a shoot with magazine The Face in a piece highlighting young British Asian players in professional academies.

Now, you might visit the online retailer ASOS for some new clothes - and be met with Gillela modelling the latest styles.

Detailing how he got his first break in the industry, Gillela told Journal Sport: “Through football, to be fair, which is amazing.

“Through football, I had a shoot with The Face magazine and the photographer there he just scouted me from there.

“Went to an agency and they signed me up and then it’s been really good, in terms of modelling.

“Obviously something completely different but like all things, I just want to throw myself into the deep end and just see how well I do.”

Adept at right-back, centre-half, and in midfield, Camberley-born Gillela walked alongside Champions League winner Djibril Cisse, in Paris showcasing the renewable fashion of Parisian designer Marine Serre.

“It’s been good,” restarted the 22-year-old.

“I can’t complain. I went to Paris in the summer, I had a show there with Marine Serre which was amazing, my debut.

“To be in Paris Fashion Week, it’s got to be the epitome of fashion, isn’t it?

“So yeah, really good. I can’t speak high enough of it, I’m really pleased and long may it continue in that sense.”

Gillela captained a development side at Cherries that included current first-teamers Jaidon Anthony and Jordan Zemura.

When Cherries are not in action and Gillela is playing locally, the pair can often be found in the terraces watching on, as they did when Salisbury visited Poole Town on bank holiday Monday in August.

“They’re my brothers,” the Salisbury man continued.

“I honestly love them to bits, we’re basically family. So for them to come down, and show their support means the world to me.

“I wish them all the best and I’m sure they’ll be successful and have long careers.

“They’re my best friends, to see them doing well in the Premier League, I’m happy every single time. It means the world to see them doing well.”