A TEENAGER aiming to win Miss England is seeking public votes to help her win a place in the semi-final of the competition.

Student Kaitlyn Hemmings, 17, of Lumley Crescent, Ferryhill, in County Durham, aims to secure the title as a first step on her path to a career in modelling.

She has won through to heat three of the semi-final and now she must impress the judges to move through to the semi-final proper.

The A-level student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form, in Darlington, said: “I’d like to go into modelling in the long-term.

“I’m excited about Miss England. I have some nerves but mainly I’m just excited.

“To reach the semi-finals proper I need to collect as many public votes as possible. I think the person with the most votes in each heat goes through to the semi-finals.”

To reach this stage the youngster had to wow judges in Leicester.

The teenager had her photograph taken and had to tell the judges about herself.

She also had to walk along a catwalk in the East Midlands as part of the process to get to heat three of the semi-finals.

Miss Hemmings hopes to visit her old schools including the Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College and she has a Facebook page advertising her efforts.

The winner of Miss England wins an all expenses paid trip to Miss World for a chance to win the coveted prize.

Details on Kaitlyn’s bid can be found online at facebook.com/Kaitlynpaigehemmings and votes can be made by texting MISS SFH313 to 63333.