A YOUNG man from Trowbridge is representing the UK in the world finals of a male modelling competition in the Philippines.

Twenty-three-year Ben Spong will be strutting his stuff at Manhunt International in Manila for nine days until Sunday February 23.

He's among 41 contestants in the world final of the competition, which began in 1993 and is now in its 20th edition year.

They will be judged through a series of rounds in national costumes, swimwear, photographic and evening wear.

Ben said: "This sort of competition is never something I imagined myself doing but when the opportunity came to represent my country I couldn’t turn it down and am now super excited to get there and start.

“I got into modelling a couple years ago when I was living in Vancouver, Canada and was cast in Vancouver Fashion week.

"I've since gone on to work on multiple music videos and commercials for some worldwide brands.

"I was recently approached to represent the UK in a modelling competition called Manhunt International. It is considered the longest running and best male modelling competition in the world.

"Top models from 41 countries will be competing at the event to win a modelling contract in the Philippines as well as many other prizes."

The contest has previously been hosted in Australia, Singapore, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and now returns to the Philippines for the second time.

Mr Spong added: "This is the 20th edition so it's expected to be the biggest one yet. There will be multiple rounds that are judged throughout the week from a national costume round, a swimwear round and a formal wear round as well as many more.

"There is a popularity round where the public vote for their favourite model via the Manhunt International Facebook page.

"This competition is hugely publicised in some countries and votes are now starting to get into the thousands for some models."

Mr Spong is encouraging locals to help him become the first person from the UK to win the world title.

To vote, go to the official Manhunt International Facebook page and click on his photo or the link in his Instagram biography @benspong22.