SHE’S well-known for running a popular cafe in North Berwick but not too many of Debi McKay’s customers are aware she is also a professional bikini model!

And Debi, who also makes special occasion cakes to order, has just been shortlisted to become the face of a leading sports nutrition brand.

The 23-year-old, who has run the Buttercup Cafe on the town’s High Street since early 2015, is among the finalists of the ‘Face of USN’ competition.

She told the Courier: “Not everyone who comes into the cafe knows about it but the ones who do always ask when my next competition is and are supportive.

“They are always shocked that I can do both at the same time and avoid eating the cakes in the cafe!”

And she admitted it was “never a challenge” not to eat the cakes, adding: “When I’m in preparation for a show I am so strict and weigh out everything so I never go off track, not even for a nibble – I have a lot of self-discipline.”

Debi also explained how she fitted in running the popular cafe with her training schedule and looking after four-year-old daughter Ellie.

She said: “I take Ellie to school then sometimes go straight to the gym to train, set up in the cafe, then once I’m in with staff I then get on with my custom cakes while also working in the cafe.

“It can be busy [in the cafe] so it can sometimes be tricky but I love the challenge.”

She also praised the staff at the town’s sports centre, where she trains, adding: “They are so supportive on the lead-up to the competitions.”

Debi, who grew up in East Dunbartonshire, told the Courier how her dad’s sporting achievements spurred her on.

She said: “He competed for Great Britain in swimming, surfing and gymnastics and has always been a massive inspiration for me.”

Debi will have to wait until next month to find out if she’s won the competition.

“Being the next Face of USN would really top off my dream,” she said.

“I want to inspire people globally to open their mind up to the fact that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

To vote for Debi visit faceof.usn.co.uk/vote or for more about the campaign, visit faceof.usn.co.uk.