Leeds model's Miss England bid

Lene Halvorsen, 20, is one of 15 contestants through to the semi-final heats of the Miss England pageant, with a place at the Miss World global showpiece up for grabs for the winner.

The model, from Bramham, impressed judges during her audition at the competition’s HQ, and she now needs public votes to help her claim the title.

Lene, who speaks fluent Spanish and lived in Spain until the age of seven, will spend the next month promoting the Miss World pageant’s official charity, Beauty with a Purpose, as part of the competition’s judging criteria.

A panel of experts will then decide which contestants in each heat will go through to the overall semi-final, held at Kelham Hall in Nottinghamshire, in summer 2017.

Entrants will be scored based on their charity commitments and interests as well as their appearance.

Miss England nationa director Angie Beasley said:

“The competition is about being beautiful inside and out, we are not just looking for a pretty face.”

The overall Miss England winner will spend a year acting as a charity fundraising ambassador as well as receiving prizes worth £30,000, including a luxury holiday and the chance to compete for the Miss World crown and international honours.

Miss England hopefuls have raised more than £800,000 for disadvantaged children around the UK since the pageant began.

To vote for Lene, text MISS SEMI10 to 63333. Messages cost 50p and the closing date for voting is November 30 at midday.