PROWLING the rails of Prada, Jemma Gofton's eyes move at lightning speed.

Yes, the dresses are to die for - and with price tags that could easily have you keeling over - but not quite what she wants.

As her perfectly manicured fingers flick through the coat hangers, she pauses for a moment to consider the cut of a particularly pricey little number.

Then it's off to the next rail of gorgeous gowns.

No time to hang about. After all, she's on a mission - set by the M.E.N. - to find this season's most stylish dress.

Luckily, 36-year-old Jemma is something of an expert where that's concerned, being the presenter of flagship Channel M fashion and lifestyle show, Style In The City.

As the latest series launches tonight, we joined her on a shopping spree to that mecca of Manchester fashion, Harvey Nichols, to share a few of her style secrets. Starting with how to find the perfect party dress for all those summer soirees on the horizon.

"This is the one," she grins as she catches sight of a £330 Issa dress in scarlet.

"I love this colour - I think it's this season's answer to the little black dress.

"Plus, look at the way it's nipped in at the waist, perfect for this season's glamorous ladylike look."

D&G shoes

Accessorised with some red patent D&G shoes - so this spring, sweetie - and it's time for a spot of modelling in the store's personal shopping suite. And, by jove, she's right. Stylish indeed.

Striking a pose she shows off the finished result for our photographer with expert flair.

Well, she did work as a model before moving into television presenting, after all - and it shows as she's got the perfect picture done and dusted in minutes.

Which leaves time for a quick catch up over a fashionable peppermint tea in the store's Second Floor Restaurant.

And an opportunity to grill her for some of those valuable style secrets.

"Hand on heart, I think I've got the best job in Manchester doing things like this," she smiles.

And who could argue?

Covering everything and anything stylish in Greater Manchester, Style In The City has been one of the biggest hits of M.E.N. sister TV station Channel M.

Hit series

Now, after three hit series, it's set to become a permanent fixture on the channel with a weekly show looking at everything from shopping to celebrity spending.

For Jemma, who not only presents on the show but also works on story ideas with producer Claire Mitchell, it's a dream come true.

"I'm so lucky, we really get to use our imagination," she explains.

"Basically, if it's stylish and it's happening in Manchester we can cover it - from luxury cars to ski fashion.

"Already I've been able to do some really nice things, like a whole week of massages and spa treatments.

"Although there have been some downsides too! Like tomorrow - I've got to go and have a health MOT for the show, which means revealing my body fat count and weight on air.

"Luckily, I'm not precious so I don't really mind.

"I've done a bit of everything for the show, actually, including having all my long hair cut off a few series ago."

That's the thing about Jemma, she's just so darn nice and down to earth.

Model looks

Yes, she's got the model looks and perfect figure -but she's got a sense of humour too.

From the sound of it, she's needed it over the years.

Going into modelling straight from college, Ramsbottom-based Jemma spent years on catwalk shows fashion shoots around the world.

Before moving into TV presenting with work for Granada and the BBC, earning her presenter stripes with some difficult jobs on shows such as Animal Watch and Animal Arrivals.

"They do say never work with children or animals but I just loved those shows," she smiles.

"We were based at Chester Zoo, where I think every animal there had it in for me - including the orang-utan who spat at me!"

Happily these days the only animals Jemma has to film are among Manchester's ravenous fashion pack.

And, with her model training, she's got no worries about that.

"I'm really ready to focus on presenting now," she says.

"But I do still love to do some modelling every now and then. I learnt loads of secrets over the years from hairdressers and make-up artists - I could write a book!

"Also, it's always fun to play at dressing up. I don't know if I will ever want to give that up."

To check out Jemma's tips for style on a shoe-string, click on the related article link above right. Style in the City is on tonight at 8pm. Tweet