Sam EmanuelHe has always dreamed of being a model in posters and shop windows and now Troy Garrod's wish has come true after he was picked as the Next big thing.Sam Emanuel

He has always dreamed of being a model in posters and shop windows and now Troy Garrod's wish has come true after he was picked as the Next big thing.

Mr Garrod, who lives in Tesmonde Close, Bowthorpe, beat off competition from thousands of aspiring models to feature in the Next advertising campaign, which started this week.

The 21-year-old, who is currently appearing on posters in Next stores throughout the country, on the carrier bags and on the Next website modelling twisted-fit jeans, said his dream has come true.

He was one of 50 finalists chosen by the public in the Make Me the Next Model competition, run by the fashion chain with Select Model Management, and was then chosen as one of the 10 winners in the final.

The former Taverham High School pupil, who has dreamed of becoming a model since the age of 16, said: 'I feel really proud. It's something I've wanted to happen for a long time - when I went shopping in Norwich and saw the posters of the models in the window I wished it was me, so it's weird to see myself in there now.

'I've been getting texts from loads of people - I came runner up in the Face of 2005 and Face of 2006 regional competitions, and so this is my first real big break - it's the biggest thing I've done.

'My mum and dad are really pleased too and I'm so grateful for their support - they've been behind me all the way.'

Mr Garrod, who will be featuring in the campaign until at least the early summer, said he hopes the contract will open more doors for him and lead to more modelling work.

But he is not allowing himself to get complacent, and has a back-up plan in case he is unable to forge a long career in modelling.

He said: 'I recently qualified to be a fitness instructor, and I can still do that if this doesn't go to plan. But I'm hoping to do more modelling and am applying to agencies in London - a few have got back to me so I'll see where that goes.'

Have you won or been shortlisted in a prestigious competition? Call reporter Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.