AN ASPIRING model from Darwen has won Model Guy UK 2010, a nationwide competition.

Christopher Hedley, 21, of Anchor Grove, beat 12 other finalists to secure a one-year TV casting contract with Impact Models alongside a £250 portfolio from photographer Dave Williams and a £500 De Vere Health Club Membership.

The competition, organised by Model Search UK, supported Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the charity praised the company for its support.

To this date, Model Search UK has raised £17,000 for the charity.

The final was held at the De Vere Hotel in Warrington and Christopher had to complete two catwalk rounds and a question-and-answer session to gain his prize.

He said: “I was quite nervous because I hadn’t done the catwalk before,” said Christopher.

“The question-and-answer session was to get a feel for your personality.

“The judges were looking for the whole package.

“I'm over the moon and excited to win.”

Christopher now works as a football coach for children and young people at Blackburn Rovers, helping them on to education courses, and dealing with drink and alcohol misuse.

He said his main focus now was to break into the modelling world.

He recently competed in the Mr England competition, where he got down to the final 24 but lost in the public vote.

His next job is judging the Miss Preston Competition in November and he will also appear as Mr April in the Galaxy FM’s Manhunt calendar, next year.

Models at Impact have gone on to do work for New Look and Karen Millen among many other big brands.