THANKS to his chiselled features and sense of style a young Crouch End man was crowned the winner of a national search to find Britain's Top Model of Colour.

Gorgeous Jason Daniel Best outshone his competitors to claim a modelling contract with Mahogany Models Management — the UK's leading agency for black and Asian models as well as £1,000 cash and a photoshoot in Black Hair Magazine.

The six-foot 22-year-old said he was surprised but pleased to be named the winner, calling it the first step to what he hopes will become a successful career and eventually becoming the British male answer to supermodel Naomi Campbell.

He said: "Winning means a lot to me and I am proud to have won against such high competition.

Jason added: "I've only done a few modelling jobs, but really only took it seriously once I had entered the competition. It was tough, but for me this is where the hard work really starts and I’m going to work hard to succeed and take my modelling career to great heights."

Before chasing his dream of becoming the UK's first black male supermodel, Jason had planned on pursuing a career in art and design or playing basketball.

He studied 3D design and went on to start his own clothing range and also customises trainers.

The annual event took place at swanky Porchester Hall, in west London, and featured a catwalk show.

Top Model of Colour founder, Sola Oyebade, said: "For the two TMC winners the work is just about to start as winning, believe it or not, is the easy bit.

"It is down to them to make their title work in their favour and take their modelling career to the next level. We will support them every step of the way as we want them to become models that others aspire to be like."

The competition was founded in 2006 to increase diversity in the fashion industry.