THE finalists have been announced in the Miss Worcestershire 2016 competition.

Twenty-eight women aged 17 to 25 beat off competition from more than 350 hopefuls to reach the finals, which will take place at the Sixways Stadium on Sunday, January 10.

The winner will not only “be an ambassador for England’s most beautiful county” but will also represent Worcestershire at the national finals of Miss England.

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But to claim the crown participants will have to impress the judges on the catwalk with their sports, fashion, eco and evening wear, as well as during the audience interaction round.

The finalists will also undertake work such as charity fundraising, a fitness bootcamp and social media publicity in advance of the finals.

Organiser Rachael Barker said: “The finalists this year are truly incredible.

“They are all hard-working, dedicated young ladies who want to make a real difference to the community in Worcestershire.

“I am really excited about the event but the competition is so tough I have no idea who is going to win.”

Chloe Palmer, the current Miss Worcestershire from Kidderminster, said her time with the title was “incredible” and included “amazing” experiences such as turning on the Christmas lights in Worcester and starting the Race for Life run.

But her time is nearly up as 28 competitors aim to follow in her footsteps.

2016 finalist Morgan Koronis, 20, a drama and performance student at the University of Worcester, said: "It was such a surprise to reach the finals and I can't wait to meet all the other competitors now.

"It will be a lovely day and to win would offer an amazing opportunity to become a positive role model and help change people's lives."

Beckie Price, a 19-year-old student nurse from Kidderminster, added: “I am over the moon to have been selected to take part in the finals and hope that I can impress the judges in everything that I do.

“It would be a dream come true to represent Worcestershire in the Miss England finals.”

Jessica Cartwright, 17, of Stourport, is raising money for good causes Beauty with a Purpose – the official charity partner of Miss England - and Josh's Prayers in her bid to claim the title.

Fellow contestant Courtney Taylor, 17, of Moreton-in-Marsh hopes to impress the judges with her “passion for charity work and being a community role model” while Lauren Laight, 17, of Stratford-upon-Avon, said if victorious she would aim to bring many benefits to communities in Worcestershire.

The Miss Worcestershire competition is open to women aged 17 to 25 who were born, live, work or study in the county.

Organisers are looking for someone who is “well presented, confident and willing to represent the county”.

Individual round titles are also up for grabs including Miss Charity, Miss Popularity and Miss Sportswoman.

There is no Mr Worcestershire competition in 2016, as the male version of the contest is only held every two years.

Tickets to the finals will be available at missenglandwm.com from Tuesday, December 1.

The 2016 finalists are: Amber Cartlidge, Amie Jones, Amy Marshment, Ashleigh Dickenson, Beckie Price, Beth Knight, Chantelle Pollitt, Chloe Gwin, Christina Glass, Courtney Taylor, Elise Wickham, Ellie Sapstead, Emilie Morris, Emma-lily Hawkins, Gina Jones, Hannah Horton, Hollie Baxendale, Jasmine Davis, Jessica Cartwright, Kate Whitaker, Laura Beth Morgan, Laura Morris, Lauren Bloomer, Lauren Laight, Leonie McLoughlin, Lottie Clarke, Morgan Koronis, Rachael Baker, Sebe Camara, Sophie Louise Ward, Stephanie Need and Verity Warr.