Hannah could be MissEngland

Hannah Mortimer started modelling at 16, but never dreamed she could be in with a shot at a national title.

Now she is a finalist in Miss West Yorkshire and two national contests, Miss Photogenic and Miss Every Model.

Hannah, 19, said: “I didn’t tell my friends and family I was entering, but they’re all really happy for me.

“If I won any of these competitions I’d get through to Miss England.”

When she’s not studying for her beauty therapy course at Kirklees College’s Dewsbury campus or working at the Mermaid in Morley, Hannah is busy preparing for the contests.

On March 16, Hannah must win over the audience and judging panel at the final of Miss West Yorkshire at The Venue in Halifax.

“We do a fitness round instead of swimwear and there’s a talent round now,” she said.

“There’s a lot of work to do for them – and a lot of dresses to buy!”

With a BTEC national diploma in performing arts dance under her belt, Hannah hopes a routine drawing on her ballet, tap, hip hop and modern training could see her go through to Miss England.

Hannah, of St Paulinus Close, Westtown, said: “I’ve been dancing since I was two and went to the Stuart Stage School in Heckmondwike.

“I got into modelling through the dance school. We had a little agency there and I was asked to do a London photo shoot just after I was 16.”

Travelling down to the capital with her mum, Hannah took the first steps in her modelling career.

“We had to go out into the street all done up,” she said. “Everyone was staring at me. It was good fun though.”

Although Hannah has made it through to the finals of three contests to qualify Miss England, the competition is fierce.

In the Miss Photogenic, the views of both the judges and the public will decide who makes it through – and the votes of Reporter readers could make all the difference.

To give Hannah your support, visit www.missengland.info/regionals/photoheat4 where you can find out more about how to vote.

Voting closes on Monday February 6.