A YOUNG, curvy executive from Leighton has made it into the grand finals of the Miss England competition – much to her surprise!

Natural beauty Emily Staniland, from Linslade – a fundraiser for charity KidsOut based in Church Square, Leighton – has won a place in the final thanks to a photographic internet vote.

Emily's cousin had submitted a picture of the 23-year-old into the Miss Fresh Photographic competition online and the next thing Emily knew was she was whisked away for a weekend pamper, make-up and photo session.
She said: "I did the photo shoot and then thought nothing of it until I realised people were voting for me!

"Votes came flooding in and I beat 46 other contestants to a place in the finals earning the title Miss Popularity – it's surreal."

Well-spoken Emily received a call from organisers this week confirming her place at the finals on July 19 and 20 at the Hilton London Metropole in Park Lane, when she will find out whether she has made it to the last 15.

The competition is big on charity donations and this year's three chosen charities are B-EAT, National Autistic Society and the Variety Club.

Bubbly Emily thinks her association with KidsOut charity may have helped to "swing it a bit". Also, Emily is a member of the Green Police and her next big task is to encourage Glastonbury visitors to recycle.

She said: "I am very excited. The competition is a great opportunity and platform to put across what I believe in – bring more light to KidsOut charity and hopefully there is a green side to Miss England, which I believe in passionately. Who knows what is going to happen?"

Meanwhile, the competition is hotting up already as public voting has started. Votes received via texts and phone count as a judge's vote, so Emily needs your support.

To register your vote simply text Emily Staniland to 81118 or telephone 0901 293 7900 and key in 52. Calls cost £1 and 15p goes to the chosen charities. Voting ends at 6pm on Monday, July 20.

There is also a chance for a Leighton Buzzard company to sponsor Emily in the Miss England 2009 magazine. Contact Emily on 01525 243210 if you can help.

>> View Emily and the other contestants on www.missengland.info/finalists