A YOUNG model from Colchester has beaten thousands to win a place in the final of a national competition.

Three-year-old Jacob Coole, of Orrin Walk, wooed voters to become one of 20 finalists in store giant Debenhams’ Child Modelling Competition.

Jacob was one of 6,500 youngsters hoping to become one of five new faces for the High Street store’s new children’s wear brand, Bluezoo.

His mum, Tess Coole, entered him at the last minute and was surprised to find he had been chosen to take part in the grand final at London Zoo tomorrow.

Mrs Coole, 22, said: “I spotted the competition on Facebook a few months after it had opened, so I was surprised he got enough votes to win.

“I’m over the moon. Even if he doesn’t win, it will be a fun day out. He’s really good in front of the camera and he loves posing.”

She said Jacob, who has two younger sisters, Savannah and Amiah, stands out because he is “quite unusual looking”.

She added: “His grandma is from Kenya, and he has her African features and lovely olive skin.”

An eight-month-old baby from Harwich – Rueben Clover, of Ramsey Road, Dovercourt – was also picked to be one of four finalists in the nought to 18 months category.

His mum, Katrina Clover, 30, said: “I was really happy and shocked when I found out he had a place in the final. He has such a cheeky little smile and he’s such a happy baby.”

The winners will be chosen at the final by a panel including ex-GMTV weather girl and Loose Women presenter, Andrea McLean.