MISS Worcester could become Miss Universe after she beat more than 500 entrants to get to the UK finals - but she needs the help of Worcester News readers if she is to win it.

Jodi Edwards is all set to compete against another 45 glamorous girls at the prestigious charity event in London on Saturday.

The Miss Universe UK competition, which is owned and run by American business tycoon Donald Trump, is being held in aid of the Joshua Foundation - a charity that provides holidays and life experiences for children diagnosed with terminal cancer and their families Miss Edwards will get points for every penny she raises for the charity and she is urging readers to donate as much money as they can by logging on to www.justgiving.com/jodiedwards The 19-year-old of Fernhill Heath said she was not feeling nervous about competing.

She said: "It's more like excitement, as with all the other competitions I have been lucky enough to be part of. When all the girls are together there is a great atmosphere. We get on very well and everyone looks great so it just depends what the judges are looking for on the night."

Miss Edwards will have to please a panel of celebrity judges, which could include Mr Trump, during an interview to establish who would be the best ambassador for the United Kingdom.

She will also have to take part in catwalk rounds consisting of bikini, little black dress, and evening gown presentations, which will show the confidence and stage presence of each contestant.

Richard Apparicio from Apparicio hairdressers in Pump Street, Worcester, has sponsored Miss Edwards for the competition. He said: "She is a very worthy winner. I have worked with Jodi for a number of years now and can honestly say she would be a perfect ambassador for the UK."

The winner will receive prizes worth more than £2,000, including a month-long trip to Vietnam to attend the Miss Universe grand final, a trip to Lapland with the Joshua Foundation, and a holiday for two to Mexico.