Top prize for Aylesbury man in UK top model competition

Najath Sharafudeen, who lives in Bedgrove, won first place in this year's Top Model charity public vote competition.

Participants earn votes, which then equates to money raised, based on their appearance and the winner is the person who receives the most money.

The money the participants are donated then goes to the charity Children with Cancer UK.

Najath, 24, is currently studying brand making at the British School of Fashion in London.

Speaking about how he got into modelling Najath said: “I came from India to chase the dream and have been doing catwalk modelling since 2014.

“I found the Top Model website and applied for the charity vote category, a member of my family was diagnosed with cancer last year and I think the work the charity does is very important.

“I have had a lot of support from friends and family back home and I'm very pleased with my success.

"My dad is my inspiration and strength."

Najath, who is the first person of Indian descent to win the award has aspirations beyond the catwalk saying: “I am studying apparel brand making and that is where I would like to be in the future.

“My next step, my ambition, is to create a fashion brand of my own.

"I would like to mix English style with Indian style in my designs.”

To find out more about the competition and to see the winners across the various categories visit http://topmodel2019.everydayhero.do