He doesn't strike you as someone whose face could grace the posters of Gucci, Versace or even Next.

But Roland Bunce could be doing just that in a few weeks time.
The 24-year-old from Belfast is currently the top entrant in a competition by retailer Next to find Britain's next model.

Roland is the 'victim' of internet pranksters, who assured his top spot after his appearance caught their eye.

Since then his popularity has surged as thousands of people have voted on the website.
He has even got people talking on social-networking sites Twitter, Facebook and Reddit.
Since his profile was launched, more than 10,000 have 'liked' him on Facebook, and he was the most talked about person on Reddit.

Using Facebook, the computer science graduate said: ‘Thanks for all for the support and thanks to the person who started the group, I’m overwhelmed.’

However some people are not happy at the development.

Fashion magazine Grazia used its website to ask its readers to redress the balance by voting for other entrants.

The Next 'Make Me a Model 2011' competition launched on Monday and has so far had more than 5,000 entries. Entries close on June 28.

A spokesperson said: 'Next is delighted for absolutely anyone to enter this competition as long as they’re aged 18 or over.

'The level of interest has been phenomenal and there’s an astonishing amount of comment and coverage on all the social networking sites.'

The winner will scoop a cheque for £2,000 alongside a photoshoot and an introduction to modelling agency Storm.

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