A BEAUTY queen is hoping to use her title to raise awareness of community centres and the challenges they face.

Tiger-May Millington, from Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, was crowned Miss Durham at Newcastle’s Hilton hotel earlier this year, and will compete in the Miss Great Britain finals in Leicester this weekend.

The 19-year-old is the youngest trustee of Binchester Community Centre and is passionate about supporting charitable organisations,, many of which have suffered in the wake of local authority and Government funding cuts.

She has recently opened fun days and special events in her village and at St Catherine’s Community Centre in Crook, and is keen to do more to help similar organisations in County Durham,

“I believe that community centres are a focal point for community life in terms of offering a place that all ages meet together,” said Miss Millington, who is on a gap year and due to start studying marketing and management at Durham University next month.

“I would really like to hear from other charitable organisations if they think my presence would help to promote their event.”

“I can be contacted on 07508-752551 and I can bring my sash and crown!”