At 6ft 1in and with deep brown eyes, he could be the next face of Calvin Klein.

But schoolboy Ben Grant, 16, finds the prospect a bit daunting.

Ben is a finalist in the Face of the Future Model Competition run by Topshop and London-based agency Models 1.

He was selected from thousands of hopefuls for a place in the final and could win a sought-after modelling contract.

Ben, who is studying for GCSEs at Cardinal Newman Catholic School, The Upper Drive, Hove, was entered in the competition by his mother, Beulah.

He said: "I've never been involved in anything like this before.

"I didn't mind my mum entering me as I thought it wouldn't really go anywhere but when I found out I was a finalist I was really shocked.

"I think my friends will think I'm joking when I tell them.

"I have not really thought about being a model. I'm really nervous but I'm sure the other finalists are as well.

"But if I do make it, I think the lifestyle will be good."

He added: "I think it would be really weird if I did win to see my face in different places.

"I've only really thought about doing my GCSEs and seeing how they go."

Ben, who does not have a girlfriend at the moment, is attending a photo shoot in Battersea, London, on April 27.

He will be interviewed by agency judges who signed Calvin Klein and Gucci models, and meet the ten other finalists.

Mrs Grant, who lives with her three sons in Sackville Road, Hove, said she heard about the competition from a friend.

She said: "I was in London so I went into Topshop and picked up a form.

"Ben is quite model-looking for a young boy and he has very strong features. I'm really pleased for him and he has done so well.

"I've always thought he is good-looking."

A spokeswoman for Models 1 said the agency had received more than 3,000 entries from across the UK.

The winner will be announced on May 22 and will receive a Models 1 contract and £3,000 cash prize.

She added: "There's been a great response and a very high standard of entrants."

The competition was launched in March when agency chiefs began scouring Topshop stores for fresh faces.

They got on stage and talked to young people to give them an insight into the modelling world.