Emma Stratton, who lives in Shirley Avenue, said it’s time for a change in the pageanting world – and time for someone with less experience to have a chance at winning the title.

The 16-year-old applied for the competition last year after seeing on the internet that it was open to everyone. She passed a photograph audition earlier this month, which placed her in the final 20.

Now Emma is dependant on the public to vote her through to the top 10 in the competition, and a chance to compete in the Miss England pageant.

Emma, who lives with her boyfriend Adam Walton and his family, said: “I’m surprised but so happy that I got through.

“A lot of the girls I’m up against are real models but I don’t have any experience of modelling. I think it’s about time someone who isn’t a model wins.

“It’s a little girl’s dream to take part in pageanting and I want to see if I can get through to the next stage on the public vote. I think it’s time to give someone else a chance.”

If the public vote Emma into the top 10 it is up to a panel of judges to deicide on her final position.

The former Bruntcliffe High pupil said: “I’m nervous but excited. I just don’t want to be the one who has no votes because I’m not a model. There’s a girl taking part who’s been all over the world with these competitions and I just think it’s time for someone else to have a chance.

“People think that because they’re not models they have no chance in competitions like this, but they do. I really didn’t think I would get through, but I did.”

To vote for Emma call 0901 656 1512 and vote for number 01 or text Emma Stratton to 84205 before April 20.