Charlotte's in running for Miss England after title wins

AN ASPIRING model from Torpoint is set to challenge for the title of Miss England after scooping the Miss Cornwall title.

Charlotte Holmes, a former Face of Plymouth winner, was crowned Miss Cornwall ahead of 29 other beautiful Cornish girls.

The 20-year-old has now been put forward for this year's spectacular Miss England competition which will be staged at the Hilton London Metropole next month.

As well as winning the title of Miss Cornwall, Charlotte also won the title of Miss Cornwall Charity after raising the most amount of money in the run-up to the final held last weekend in Newquay.

"It was an amazing night," Charlotte said.

"It's the first time that one person has won both the main title and the charity title, so it was really good.

"I loved raising the money. It took a lot of organising but people were really generous.

"I raised £1,100 for the Cornish charity Tukae which helps alleviate poverty in Tanzania and I was really chuffed to raise that much.

"The whole event was worthwhile if only for the charity alone. It was just a brilliant experience."

To raise the money Charlotte organised three events including a Fame-themed keep-fit session at the Torpoint YMCA sports hall.

Despite being delighted at winning the titles, Charlotte said she was nervous about going forward to possibly represent England in the Miss World competition.

"I'm freaking out and the Miss England finals are not until July 19 and 20," Charlotte added.

"That's a whole month of being nervous."

The Miss England finals will be staged in London on July 19 and 20.

The winner of Miss England will go forward to Miss World.

Katie Helyer, aged 17 and also from Torpoint, won the Miss Popularity award after receiving more than 1,000 text votes. As a result Katie has also won a place in the semi-finals of Miss England 2010 which will be staged next year.

In total the Miss Cornwall competition raised around £3,760 for Tukae.

Over the last five years the official Miss Cornwall event has raised more than £20,000 for the RNLI.

For further information, visit: www.misscornwall.co.uk.

See Charlotte in our Her supplement, inside today's Herald