A STUDENT nurse from Kidlington could be on the road to becoming Miss England 2018.

Lily Quainton is one of 21 contestants vying for a place in the competition's semi-final – and she is urging people in Oxfordshire to show their support with a vote.

The 22-year-old is passionate about the issue of mental health and wants to use the competition to raise awareness of children and young people suffering.

Miss Quainton, of Garden City, said: “When I had to put up the details on social media I was so worried that people would think ‘oh, they think they are glamorous and gorgeous’ but it's so much more than that.

“For me it's about doing something I never would have and showing people they can do things they never imagined.

“Being in Miss England is more than just being a model.

"It's about being a role model, achieving new things, raising funds for charity and getting out there and helping people in any way you feel you can.”

The Miss England competition raises funds for Beauty with a Purpose, which helps vulnerable children across the world.

The competition’s winner will be invited to spend the year raising cash and awareness for the charity.

But in addition to that, Miss Quainton, who hopes to become a specialist children’s nurse would use the role to raise the profile of a cause she is passionate about – mental health.

She said: “As a nearly qualified nurse, I love my job and love being able to help people but one aspect I really want to help is mental health and I feel this competition will help me raise awareness for young adults and their struggles with such difficulties."

Voting for the current heat finishes on Monday at midday, with the semi-final in June 2018.

To vote for Miss Quainton text MISS SEMI13 to 63333. Texts cost 50p.

The winner of Miss England, who will be announced next summer, will go on to compete in Miss World.