A BEAUTY therapy student will take her turn on the treatment table as she prepares for the Miss Durham competition.

Gemma Williams, 17, from Spennymoor, is through to the final 20 contestants in this year's event.

If she wins, the Bishop Auckland College student will go on to compete for the Miss England title.

Gemma said: "Getting into the final 20 is really exciting. I am a bit nervous but I shall do my best."

Sue Usher, Gemma's beauty therapy lecturer, said, "Gemma didn't tell us until she came back from the competition that she was in the final 20.

"On that morning, she sat an IT examination, which she has since passed, and wasn't the slightest bit flustered. We are all rooting for her here".

The final is on May 24 at Sedgefield Racecourse.