Lauren Stephenson, an 18-year-old medical student, said she was stunned to make it to the Great Britain final of the global beauty contest.
The pageant newcomer, from Northowram, said: "There were a few girls there and they were really nice.

"I thought 'No way are they going to pick me over all these people'."
The former Brighouse High School pupil is studying at Leeds University and hopes to become a cardiologist.

Lauren, who has modelled in the past, learned ballet at the Jane Elizabeth School of Dance, Halifax, and hopes her experience will stand her in good stead.

She said: "It gives you so much poise – the way you hold yourself and present yourself to people."

If successful, she will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Miss Universe competition, rumoured to be held in Bolivia.

She would also scoop a modelling contract, a wardrobe of designer dresses and shoes, and the chance to jet around the world as ambassador for children's cancer charity the Joshua Foundation, which she is particularly keen to support.

"Anything to do with charity I'm really into and the whole competition raises money for them," she said.

Lauren, who auditioned for the contest in Leeds, said she was excited about the forthcoming final in May but was managing to keep her nerves at bay for now.

"It's for a good cause and it's nothing to be worried about. It's just a bit of fun and I'll hopefully get to make some new friends on the way."