A male model from Trowbridge has finished in the top 16 of Manhunt International in the Philippines.

Ben Spong, 23, also took the Best Fashion Model award out of 36 contestants in the world final in Manila.

Back in Trowbridge, Mr Spong, was supported by his parents Sharon and Michael Spong and brother Ryan.

As a result of his success in Manhunt International, he has won a modelling contract while in Manila and is planning on staying there for another three months.

Due to fly back to the UK on Monday, Mr Spong said: "I had a great time representing my country. I am excited to see what the future holds and am planning on staying in the Philippines to progress my modelling career."

Mum Sharon said: “We are obviously very proud of Ben and really pleased that he got into the top 16. When Ben called to tell us, he was well chuffed.”

He is a former pupil of the Clarendon Academy in Trowbridge and Writhlington School at Radstock.

He previously worked in Vancouver with his brother Ryan, who is an actor, doing part-time modelling for online videos and commercials and also took part in the Vancouver Fashion Week.

The Manhunt International competition, which began in 1993, is now in its 20th edition year and took place over nine days from February 15-23. The overall winner came from the Netherlands.

The international contestants were judged in national costumes, swimwear, photographic and evening wear segments.

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