Trainee accountant Ben Michael is launching into a modelling career Picture Ref: 78716-77SWINDON AND PROUD: TRAINEE accountant Ben Michael has been modelling in his underpants in a bid for a career in the steps of Melinda Messenger.

By day Ben, 21, is poring over figures on a spreadsheet while in his spare time he is showing off his own statistics.

He has already posed in vest and pants to help MTV launch its branded underwear range for Eastern Europe.

And he is all set to help Virgin market its trains at a London station.

But Ben has his head firmly screwed on and is studying hard for his accountancy qualifications at work for Monahans in Newport Street, Old Town, so he can keep his career options open.

"I love modelling and hope that if I work promoting people's businesses with my body, I will be recognised and get work for international companies.

"After all Melinda Messenger from Swindon started out modelling for a small company and look at her now.

"Variety is the spice of life and I hope I get a lucky break.

"Monahans my employer has been very supportive and flexible about time off."

Ben has his own website of pictures at www.benmichael.co.uk and features on several other sites including Eye Candy, Jason Paul and Talent Focus.

He has no catwalk or modelling training but has already found a way to beat any nerves before strutting his stuff or giving a business presentation at work.

"I put myself in the shoes of a famous person who is really confident like Jim Davidson and then all my confidence kicks in," he said.

He also studies poses of other models to see how they stand.

Male models have not had the same celebrity status as females like Kate Moss but Ben says sportsmen who model like David Beckham are changing that.

Ben lives in Grange Park and went to school first at Shaw, then Greendown and later New College.

He is two years in to his accountancy training.

"I will stick with accountancy and get my exams. I went into it because whatever business I end up doing, and I would like my own business, the financial skills are a great bonus."

See Ben modelling for the Advertiser in next Thursday's Life supplement.

Catherine Turnbull