Mr Sunderland hopes to be best man at Mr England

Brad Hopper, 27, from Fatfield in Washington, has made it through to the male version of the famous Miss England pageant and he’s hoping Echo readers can help him lift the crown.

He’s appealing for readers to vote for him in a public poll that will count as a judge’s choice in the finals, which will take place on the same day as the Miss England contest, in Birmingham on July 14.

If Brad is successful in the competition he’ll represent the country at Mr World.

Brad, who juggles modelling with working as a fitness consultant at the Washington Millennium Centre in Concord, said: “I feel I’m representing the whole of the North East at the competition and I feel proud to be flying the flag. It’s massive for me.

“I was put through to the final as a judge’s choice, which was great and now I’m hoping local votes will help fast-track me to the next stage.”

The former St Robert of Newminster pupil said although there was a stigma around male pageants, he’s hoping to inspire other budding models.

“I’d really like to be a role model for other men, to show what can be achieved. To be in this position is an honour and I am humbled to have the support that has led me to where I am today,” he said.

As part of the competition, Brad has been raising money for Beauty with a Purpose, the chosen charity of the contest.

He is currently second in the public vote, behind Mr Birmingham, and is asking the people of Sunderland to help him win this section of the competition.

“The winner is seen as the most desirable and talented man to represent the nation on a world stage,” he said. “I want to bring the title home to the North East.”