Sexy Soldier Who Served With Harry Looking To Become Mr England

A hunky soldier who served alongside Prince Harry in Afghanistan has said being crowned Mr England would be "massive" for the Army. 

Lance Corporal Joyde Wilson, 24, hopes dozens of his workmates will cheer him on in the final of the UK's biggest modelling competition later this year. 

Joyde, who used to speak with Prince Harry as his team refuelled and armed his Apache helicopter in Camp Bastion, said:

"Winning would be a huge asset for the Army - being a soldier and also being Mr England would be massive. From what I know I'm the first guy from the military to get into the finals. I think it'd also make me a role model to other men in the country." 

Joyde will compete against 30 other men for the Mr England title after being crowned Mr Suffolk in April. 

He has been based at RAF Wattisham in the county since he joined the Army aged 16 but did not tell his comrades he had entered the regional heats, fearing he would come last. 

"I thought I would keep it quiet in case I came last... I didn't want to lose face," he said. 

But Joyde was surprised by his workmates' support after the news of his win broke on social media. 

Joyde hopes his Army training will "put him in good stead" as he planned to compete in the competition's catwalk, sports, charity, talent and general knowledge rounds. 

The soldier, who has raised £3,000 for ABF The Soldier's Charity in go-karting races, will submit a video of his racing skills for the talent round. 

Joyde has served three stints in Afghanistan as ground crew for the Apache. 

He said he had "work-related" conversations with helicopter pilot Prince Harry at Camp Bastion while based there from September 2012 to January 2013. 

He hopes 30 of his fellow soldiers will support him at the event in Birmingham on July 14.