A REDDITCH woman has made it through to the finals of Miss Worcestershire.

Heather May Britton, 21, from Southcrest, is in the finals of the prestigious competition which seeks to find a beauty, as well as brains, to represent the county.

Ms Britton, studying fine art at Loughborough University, said she applied because of the recent channel 4 programme Beauty Queen and Broke, charting the highs and lows of being a beauty queen.

"It interested me to see how much the competition has changed," she said.

"It genuinely encompasses the whole meaning of beauty, conveying that it is not all about how you look, but your personality, intelligence and character.

"I was inspired by the current miss England, Carina Tyrrell, who is studying to be a doctor as well as being Miss England, conveying that the stereotypical beauty queen is long outdated and strong independent intelligent women are representing the nation."

The former Woodrush Community High School pupil, who describes herself as a feminist, added that she has had people question why she entered.

She said: "Taking part in the competition has taught me how to be poised, how to act in an interview, and the ability to communicate to a large group of people while maintaining composure.

"I believe that, this competition is a great opportunity for women to get their voice heard, and the ability for them to be a spokesperson for the region they are representing."

Ms Britton added that the competition is also an excellent opportunity for young women to help raise money for Beauty With A Purpose, a charity which gives young women the opportunity to use their abilities to make a lasting contributions to sick and disadvantaged people.

For more information, or to vote for for Ms Britton in the popularity category, visit missengland.info/regionals/worcestershire.

The final of the competition is on November 2 in Worcester.

Contestants who win Miss Worcestershire go through to the finals of Miss England.