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OUR daring trio are used to fashion shoots. Over the years they've taken more photos of men and women strutting their stuff than Kate Moss has had magazine covers.

But today is a first. Usually cool as the proverbial cucumber, our three photographers - Mike Tipping, Steve Bradshaw and Evening Press picture editor Martin Oates - are displaying signs of nerves. First there are the trips to the loo, then the deathly hush as we head for the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet on the southern outskirts of York where our three volunteers will be modelling menswear.

But as with most things, it's not as bad as they imagine. Once they realise they won't be asked to pose in skimpy underwear or mini skirts for men, they begin to relax.

Their instructions are as follows: they will each model two outfits; the first pre-selected by professional style consultant Claire Oates following information they gave her about their appearance and personality; the second will be an outfit of their choice.

For the first outfit, Steve, the youngest of the three at 21, heads for trendy outfitters Iceberg. Martin, 47, told us he dreamed of wearing Armani, but our stylist suggested Paul Smith. And Mike, 34, was directed to Ted Baker. "Dead who?" he asked quizzically. You can see what we were up against.

The point of the exercise was to judge whether a stylist could give them some inspiration in the wardrobe department. And given a free rein, would they opt for something more daring or play it safe?

Here's how it went...

Martin

Our picture editor is 6ft 1in with dark colouring and describes his personality as 'laid-back'.

Stylist's choice: Black linen suit, Paul Smith (was £465 now £275) teamed with a khaki, short-sleeved knitted top, Ted Baker (was £59.99 now £40). Black lace-up shoes, Daniel Footwear (were £85 now £49.95).

Martin's verdict: I like this, but linen is hard to wear because it gets so crushed. I would never have picked a knitted top but it actually feels nice to wear. As for the colour, I'd pick something brighter.

Martin's choice: Charcoal linen trousers (were £119 now £59) and light-coloured shirt (was £79 now £45). Black casual jacket (was £159 now £109). All Paul Smith.

Martin says: I really like the texture of the shirt and it's a classic, casual style perfect for a Friday night in the pub. I'm really quite staid when it comes to fashion...I'm not an adventurous shopper.

Mike

The tallest of the three at 6ft 3ins, Mike has dark hair and pale skin and had one plea: No navy blue, please! He described himself as 'relaxed'.

Stylist's choice: Green suit (was £375 now £200), green shirt (was £64.99 now £34.99), tie (was £39.99 now £13.99). All Ted Baker. Black suede shoes, Daniel Footwear (were £149 now £104).

Mike's verdict: I like the shirt because I love the colour but I don't think the tie goes with it. I feel the jacket is too small. I like to wear my clothes baggy. I feel like my mum has dressed me.

Mike's choice: Brown London pinstripe suit (was £555 now £199), white London shirt (was £99 now £39) and London tie (was £45 now £25). All Paul Smith. Brown loafers, Daniel Footwear (were £110 now £85).

Mike says: I defected to Paul Smith because I was looking for a pinstripe suit. I really like this suit and I wanted a big flowery tie. I'd be tempted to buy it if I could spare the cash.

steve

Dark and tanned, Steve confessed to being 'not a particularly outrageous dresser' who likes smart but casual clothes.

Stylist's choice: Charcoal soft cotton trousers (were £73 now £29), roll-neck sweater (was £167 now £50), silver sports jacket (was £192 now £69) all from Iceberg. Boots from Daniel Footwear (were £85 now £59.50).

Steve's verdict: I like the trousers but I don't like the neck of the jumper and it feels too long. I also think it's a rip-off at the price. The jacket is too clubby for me.

Steve's choice: Trousers as before, grey flannel shirt (was £97 now £49) both from Iceberg and black sheepskin jacket (was £700 now £380) from Paul Smith.

Steve says: This is more me. I really like this jacket, but I can't afford it. The shirt's great, and more within my budget so I'm going to buy that.

SO how did they fare as models? We asked Evening Press photographer Frank Dwyer, who took the pictures, for his verdict. "I'm really surprised. They are all much more comfortable in front of the camera than I thought they would be.

"Mike was the most up for it, which was a surprise as he isn't that extrovert. I think being good in front of the camera is either something you've got or you haven't."

And our models' final thoughts?

Martin: "It was an experience. Frank was kind to us. We probably put models through hell. He was under orders not to keep us in front of the camera too long."

Steve: "I liked it. I'd do it for a living if I got paid a million pounds...but then I'd probably do anything for a million pounds."

Mike: "I'm much happier on the other side of the lens...as long as the model isn't Steve!"

Many thanks to staff at Paul Smith, Ted Baker, Iceberg and Daniel Footwear at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.

PICTURE:Evening Press photographers (L-R) Mike, Steve and Martin parade in the outfits chosen for them by our fashion stylist