Bespectacled Ballymena teen eyed up for catwalk dream

Josh Whann, an Interactive Media student from Ballymena, is one of 12 finalists selected to take part in the regional final in Connswater Shopping Centre on August 1.

If successful, Josh could find himself strutting down the catwalk at the glitzy, star-studded grand final in London this coming October.

Specsavers’ style ambassador, Gok Wan will present the awards, with contestants being judged by a panel of industry experts.

Josh, who was goaded into entering the competition by a friend, is both shocked and excited by his selection to participate in the regional final.

“A friend of mine actually convinced me to enter and I never really thought any thing more of it. When I got the initial phone call, I had almost forgotten what the name of the competition was,” Josh said.

He added: “I think it’s great that there are competitions like this around to help encourage people to get regular sight checks. It helps highlight that glasses can be fashionable. Its also great to be one of the three boys that have made it this far.”

Josh could follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Greg Munday, a student from Newtownards, who represented Northern Ireland in last year’s glitzy grand final in London.

Greg, who is currently studying economics, said: “The experience last year was amazing, once in a lifetime, and I felt incredibly lucky to take part. The competition was tough but everyone was great and looked amazing. I can’t believe that I came third. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

Regional stars will earn a place on the catwalk at Britain’s biggest spectacle fashion-fest, with the winner receiving a one year modeling contract with MOT Models, a two week premier, all-inclusive holiday for two in Barbados courtesy of Almond Resorts and Virgin Holidays with £250 worth of spending money, a makeover with (and products by) TV celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, a year’s supply of skincare products from Simple, a fantastic goody bag including hair and skincare products, a £150 Specsavers designer eye care voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year trophy.

Now in their fifth year of supporting Kidscape, Specsavers will donate £1 for every eligible competition entry to the charity, as well as all proceeds from a high profile auction led by Specsavers ambassador Gok Wan, which will take place at the competition final in London in October.

To find out more about Kidscape or to make a donation, please log onto www.kidscape.org.uk or call 020 7730 3300.

To nominate your favourite celebrity specs-wearer and be in with the chance of winning tickets to the grand final - and meeting celebrities, including Gok Wan - log onto www.specsavers.co.uk/competition

To book an eye examination at Specsavers Ballymena please call 028 25 648100, or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ballymena