BUDDING male models came to Swindon from all over the country to audition for the English finals to find the ultimate male supermodel.

The hopefuls had to pose wearing jeans and little else for a professional photographer at the Designer Outlet Centre.

Five of them will be picked to go for a photoshoot in London next week. The winners will be chosen in a poll by national newspaper readers.

Ryan Wheeler, 26, of William Street, Swindon, was one of the men who had been invited to the audition after he had submitted his photo. He is a production worker for Honda but dreams of being a model.

He said: "It's excellent being here, I'm not at all nervous. I just came here to see how far it would take me. I'd love to be in the magazines and the papers. I'd like all that fame and the money as well."

Brothers Ewan and Calum Morrison are also from Swindon but were not taking the competition as seriously.

Ewan, 23, lives in Old Town and works for the Ministry of Defence. He said: "It's just a bit of a laugh but the career does appeal. You get to travel and the money is great."

Calum, 19, of Toothill is heading to Glasgow University to study physiology and sports science. He sees modelling as a way to help him through his studies.

"If I ever did get any modelling work, the extra cash would be very useful."

Angie Beasley, 30, is the organiser of Manhunt International. She said judges were looking for something beyond good looks.

"He needs to have a nice smile, good teeth and good skin, but also a happy-go-lucky personality.

"He's got to have something extra but it's difficult to say what.

"I've seen a couple of potentials, and one of them is a Swindon boy but I can't say who at this stage."

Winners of the English auditions will receive a £250 voucher to spend in the Outlet Village.

The eventual winner will go on to represent the country in the Manhunt International world finals, taking place in Beijing in November.

He will also have the chance to pocket a share of the £80,000 prize money and travel around the world on various modelling assignments.