THE competition is heating up as 28 women battle to be crowned Miss Worcestershire in 2016.

Finalists in the beauty contest have been hitting the streets to fundraise for charity and promote their credentials as the next potential winner.

They are aiming to not only impress the judges with their commitment but to also build up public support, in the hope of claiming the title on Sunday, January 10, at the Sixways Stadium.

Brave Christina Glass, 20, a University of Worcester student originally from Evesham, has outlined a personal reason for taking part in the beauty pageant.

She said: “Growing up I struggled with mental illness.

“I struggled through school and college was extremely challenging as I was bullied.

“I want to become Miss Worcestershire to have an impact on children’s health and well-being.

“There is not enough funding for children with mental disabilities and I hope to use the position to resolve this issue.”

Courtney Taylor, 17, of Moreton-in-Marsh, hopes her “passion” for being a role model – she has run half-marathons for good causes and even picked up a bravery award aged nine from Prince Harry for rescuing her mother from a house fire – will set her apart from the competition.

Morgan Koronis, 20, a drama and performance student at the University of Worcester, is confident her “loving” personality will shine through in the contest.

She said: “If I won, I would love to make a difference in the world as I am such a caring and loving person that puts anything and anyone first.

“I am the girl that always smiles.”

Several other finalists are also raising money for Beauty with a Purpose – the official charity partner of Miss England, which works with disadvantaged children across the world – in a bid to gain public support.

Verity Warr, 21, a former student at Chantry High School in Martley, has been donating £2 to charity from every sale at her handmade clothing company VerityAnne.

Gina Jones, 20, of Worcester, collected cash through a cake sale, raffle and pub quiz at the Pheasant Pub in Worcester in early December while Stephanie Need, 23, a nursery nurse from Diglis, raised £300 by dressing up in an animal onesie at Worcester’s Victorian Christmas fair.

Laura Morris, 17, a student at Worcester Sixth Form College, who regularly volunteers at St Richard’s Hospice, has also been busy fundraising and Jessica Cartwright, 17, of Stourport, has been raising money for both Beauty with a Purpose and Josh's Prayers.

And all of the finalists are eager to claim the prestigious title.

Lauren Laight, 17, an apprentice dental nurse from Stratford-upon-Avon, said she was excited about the prospect of becoming an ambassador for Worcestershire.

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.”

For more details or to vote on the finalists, who have been described as “incredible” by organisers, visit missenglandwm.com