A FORMER footballer, who was a care worker and primary school football coach during the pandemic, is preparing for the Miss England final.

Erin Smith, who is the current Miss Worcester and is a Midlands Bare Face Top Model Winner, is campaigning for votes to help her scoop the top prize in the contest next month.

The competition has enabled the 19-year-old to raise money for a good cause close to her heart.

The Worcester resident ran 100 miles to raise money for The Survivors Trust, the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK.

Miss Smith has openly spoken about her trauma to 34,000 followers, saying: "I am lucky that I have had the strength to overcome my inner demons, therefore if my videos can help at least one person, I think that is a beautiful thing.”

Miss Smith is a former West Brom and Coventry United player, who featured on BT Sport documentary Ultimate Goal in August 2020, which showed her training with Freddie Ljungberg, Rio Ferdinand and Jill Scott.

The crew came to Worcester and filmed scenes at the Miss England finalist’s home.

She spoke about her “dark time” and how she has overcome her struggles. Mum, Morven said in the documentary: “You’re resilient, you have courage - you’ve not let this stop you from wanting to live your life”.

FINALIST: Miss Worcester Erin Smith, 19

FINALIST: Miss Worcester Erin Smith, 19

After coming through a series of qualifying rounds to reach the shortlist Miss Smith, who works as a presenter for a business management company, is now campaigning for votes to help her win the title.

The final is being held on June 24 at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry, and will be one of the first red carpet style events being held after lockdown restrictions are eased.

There is a talent and sports round, a bare face top model round and a plastfree eco queen round where contestants are invited to create an outfit made from recycled materials, all along with a public vote.

The winner of Miss England will go forward to the 70th Miss World final in Puerto Rico, central America, later this year with the chance of winning $100,000.

For more details how to vote for her, and watch the final which will be live streamed on the internet, visit missengland.info.