A REDDITCH beauty, who is raising awareness of mental health issues, has been selected as a finalist in Miss Birmingham GB.

Shanice-Leigh Blackwood, aged 24, who lives in Oakenshaw, has made the top 14 in the competition.

Throughout the contest, the former St Augustine’s High School student has been raising awareness of the charity Mind.

Miss Blackwood, who performed at Morton Stanley Festival in 2015 and with the Musicmaker group at Air Festival in 2005, was motivated to support the charity after loosing a family member to suicide.

"It's not about winning," she said.

"It's about doing what's right and helping others in your community.

"I lost a family member who committed suicide a few years ago and on top of that I have friends who also suffer from serious depression.

"I have also experienced mental health issues that I still suffer with to this day. Thus making Mind an organisation that I want to work with closely, not only for me and helping me express myself, but to show others that you don't need to fear how you feel.

"You don't need to shy away about how you feel as there’s people out there who understand and can help."

She added: "I have a very close friend who I met through university and without her, I doubt I would have this mind-set or be here, that is why it's important to talk to someone and not be alone."

The talented singer, previously featured on BBC1xtra and BBC Hereford and Worcestershire, is second year law student at Birmingham City University.

The final is being held at Park Regis Hotel in Birmingham on Sunday, July 2.

For more information visit, Miss Birmingham GB on Facebook.