The reigning Miss Cumbria will be strutting her stuff on the catwalk whne she heads to the semi finals of Miss England this weekend.

Claire Bell, 23, will join 70 other girls from around the country on stage at a hotel in Newark, Nottinghamshire for the contest.

Claire, who organises weddings at Tullie House Museum in Carlisle, has been busy preparing for the event.

She said: "I’ve had to make an eco outfit from recyclable materials so I’ve got two of my old red dresses and made them into a top and skirt.

"A couple who got married at Tullie House earlier this year gave me some red petals from their wedding so I’ve sewed them onto the skirt."

Claire will also take part in a photo shoot around the grounds of Kelham Hall, where the contest is being held.

She said: "You have to raise money for the charity Beauty with a Purpose, the official Miss England charity, which helps disadvantaged children around the world.

"I held a fashion show in April which 94 people attended. I raised £1,110 from that and I also did a car boot sale and raised £61. On the day I will be taking along a total of £1,171. I’m really happy with that."

Claire, who lives at Moorhouse, near Carlisle, also has to put together a media pack for the judges with all of her press clippings and Facebook and twitter posts.

She said: "I am really looking forward to it. I am quite excited. I’m staying down there on Saturday and Sunday night as it’s a long way to travel."

Her mum Fiona, sister Jenny and boyfriend James Youell are also offering their support by going along with Claire to cheer her on.

"I think about 10 girls go through to the Miss England final which is held in July and there are five judges choices so a total of 15 girls. I’d love to get through," she said.

The organisers of Miss England claim the contest enhances young women’s self-esteem. Not just by praising their appearance but also by showing how they can make a difference to others through fundraising.

Claire says the experience has boosted her confidence enormously.

She took part in the Manchester 10k last weekend to raise money for Carlisle Eden Mind.