Carre's Grammar School student in bid to become Miss England

In a first for Carre’s Grammar School, a student is to be a regional finalist in the Miss England beauty contest.

Eighteen-year-old sixth-former Sophie Anderton was surprised to be approached out of the blue by a Miss England representative, who spotted her on social media, suggesting she enter her regional pageant, Miss Newark.

If she wins she will go through to the Miss England semi-finals for 2017. She said: “I’d never entered a competition like this before.”

Sophie, who plans to study chemistry at Sheffield University, explained the contest is about more than just looks - the current Miss England is a university student and performs her role alongside her studies.

Entrants must demonstrate why they are worthy of representing their country. Sophie said: “I’ve decided to fundraise for the charity, Beauty with a Purpose, which is at the heart of the Miss World organisation.”

She is holding a cake sale on Thursday March 9 in school before taking part in the Miss Newark contest on March 11. Beauty with a Purpose donates millions to organisations for disadvantaged children around the world.