A HEXHAM woman is vying to become Miss England.

21-year-old Corel-Jo Antwhistle is to take part in a one-day semi-final event in London.

The Northumbria University Fine Art student, who lived in Venezuela growing up, qualified for the Miss England semi-final after being brought in as a wild card.

Corel-Jo, who plans to join the Met Police as a murder detective, will be among 40 other hopefuls taking part in the finalist event which will see contestants parade in smart daywear and eveningwear. 

Hexham Courant:

A minimum of 15 judges' choices and award winners will gain a place in the national final.

In the lead-up to the event, judges will be previewing the contestant's profiles on the Miss England website, where hopefuls are also invited to raise awareness and funds for Miss World's Beauty with a Purpose charity which helps humanitarian causes across the world.

As part of her bid, Corel-Jo has raised funds for struggling families, given the current cost of living crisis and her childhood experiences of seeing poverty in Venezuela, and male victims of domestic assault. 

Candidates also have the option of submitting a talent video for judges; Corel-Jo will play the piano.

On the day of the semi-final, which will be hosted by former Mr England winner Jordan Williams, who recently appeared on ITVs Starstruck as a Michael Bublè tribute act, a professional judging panel and the public will vote on the Miss England app to decide who goes forward to the national finals later this year. The public vote acts as one judge on the panel.  

To bag a place, contestants are also being encouraged to post a photo of themselves makeup-free to promote natural beauty on social media in association with Cetuem Cosmetics and their best smile photograph to promote Dentakay Dental Clinic; both rounds will produce award winners for a place in the final.   

The event is to take place on August 22.