IT was great to see Ballina's Billie McKay win the coveted MasterChef title and now the world is her oyster.

What impressed me most about this young woman was her poise under pressure.

Although I am not a huge reality television viewer, I did find myself 'hooked' by one particular episode where Billie faced up to one of the globe's scariest chefs, Marco Pierre White.

She looked scared, but remained calm, looked him in the eye and, more importantly, got on with the job.

The Northern Star is about to go on its own reality journalism adventure with a series called YourSlim Chance.

It's our newspaper's version of The Biggest Loser.

We're trying to find four people to embark on a 12-week campaign which will help them to lose weight and get healthier.

Participants will have a consultation with a weight loss expert and be given access to a gym and a program designed to cater for their needs.

We are going to follow their progress and tell you what trials and tribulations they have along the way.

It should be a good series.

So far we have had about 30 people apply to take part in the program, and this is your last chance to put your name into the hat.

To enter, simply send us an email explaining why you want to lose weight.

Oh, and it would be great if you could send us a picture of yourself.

Please send an email to helen.hawkes@northernstar.com.au

* This story has been edited