A MISS England hopeful from Redditch has reached the semi-finals of the competition and is hoping the public will give her their vote.

Sophie Williams from Greenlands is campaigning to become the next Miss England in the Midlands and has been busy collecting donations for a noble cause and taking part in a virtual catwalk.

The 22-year-old, who works as a sales administrator, previously placed second out of thousands in the Birmingham Mail Modelling Competition in 2014.

This is the young model's first time entering the Miss England competition, and due to the lockdown, participants were asked to submit videos online showing off their skills.

Sophie, who also plays netball competitively, said: "It's been hard work for me because I haven't competed in this competition before.

"So far I have made my introduction video, my catwalk and my talent video. People can see everybody's videos on the website.

"Fundraising is my test at the moment. It's going to be hard because of coronavirus. I'm trying to think of some fundraising ideas."

The entrants have been given the task of a highlighting the World Against Single Use Plastic campaign as part of the competition.

They have also been encouraged to donate unused cosmetics and toiletries to a West Midlands woman's refuge as part of Elle For Elle, following a rise in domestic violence since the lockdown began.

The Miss England Midlands vote closes at 12 noon on Sunday, May 31, and shortlisted entrants will be interviewed before the winners are selected and announced on social media.

People can cast their vote via missengland.info/qualifiers/semi-final-midlands/

Anyone with donations of unused cosmetics and toiletries can get in touch with Sophie via s.a.williams@hotmail.com