VOTING is under way for the Miss England final and Miss Worcestershire Laura Beth Morgan is hoping Observer readers will pledge their support for her once again.
Laura will be heading to the final in Southport on Wednesday and Thursday (July 20 and 21) and the amount of votes she gets from the public will assist her in her bid for the national crown.
Importance is placed on the winner being a good role model for England who young women can look up to and, as well as the beauty aspect, the competition challenges the contestants in a number of areas, including Miss Sportswoman, Miss Brainy Beauty and Miss Charity. There is also the Miss Eco catwalk show where contestants must buy a dress from a charity shop or use one handed down by a family member and, from that, create their own outfit, emphasising the importance of recycling. The theme is English Classic Fashion through the Decades – Laura will be hoping for success in that round similar to the Miss Worcestershire heat where her dress – made from recycled Christmas cards – was judged to be the best one.
Speaking to the Observer, Laura said she had also done what she set out to do – use her Miss Worcestershire title to enable her to be an ambassador for the county and raise cash for good causes.
In the run up to the contest and since being crowned in January she has attended more than 50 events, including Christmas lights switch-ons, community clean-ups and charity events, including a fashion show and ladies day.
In a whirlwind few months, she has also judged competitions, including St Augustine’s Pop Icons contest and the Worcestershire Women’s Awards, given talks to youngsters from schools and local groups, was guest of honour at sports matches and even helped make her own Miss Worcestershire Ale.
And she has raised more than £9,000 for numerous charities, including the Primrose Hospice, St Richards Hospice, New Hope, Help Georgie Campaign and many more.
She said: “I am so proud of the amount I have raised for charity and for attending more than 50 event across Worcestershire.
“It’s been a real pleasure so many wonderful people.
“The most inspirational people I have found are the ladies and gentlemen behind the amazing local charities which have some outstanding members of staff working there.
“The work that takes place there is phenomenal and it’s been a privilege to work alongside and meet everyone in the past few months.”
Voting for Miss Worcestershire closes on Thursday (July 21). To vote for Laura, text MISS ENGLAND29 to 63333. Texts cost 50p plus the standard network rate.
The winner of Miss England will go through to contest Miss World.
Visit www.missengland.info for more on the competition.
