A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has made it to the final of a modelling competition - thanks to a text message brain-wave.

Joseph Kuby of Patten Street, Colne, entered Clearasil's Face of the Future competition by text message in January hoping to become the next big on-screen talent.

His catchy slogan; 'Keep this spot free, it's clear to see, the face of the future, will be me' won him a place in the final.

He was one of ten youngsters who made it to the BBC Television Centre in White City, London, to shoot their own movie screen-tests, take part in acting workshops and model in a photo shoot with star Marcus Patric who plays Ben in teen soap Hollyoaks.

But his future now depends on people voting for him on the Face of the Future website. The three screen-tests with the least votes are voted off each week starting next Friday, February 22.

Joseph said: "I have always dreamed of being in martial arts movies but we will just have to see what opportunities come form this.

"It was great fun talking to Marcus and he gave us all good pointers."

The winner will receive tickets to a VIP private cinema to see themselves in action, a styling session and even the possibility of acting in a commercial.

Emma Richmond, one of the event organiser's, said: "It was all such great fun and they were all gorgeous. Joseph is very cute with a very smiley face and I'm sure he'll do well."

Joseph moved to Colne last year from Bradford and is currently being home educated by his mother, Margaret Marie, before he goes to Colne College to study English, Maths, Biology, French and German.

He said: "I don't miss being at school. I was bullied and it was too much pressure."

In preparation for his dream he has learnt to speak some chinese and has achieved his orange belt in kung fu at the family-run Laugar Kung Fu in Bradford.

Joseph is relying on brother Oto in Keethley, Bradford along with his internet friends, to drum up support and vote on-line.

To support our local finalist log on to www.faceofthefuture.tv.