MISS Worcester is sure to be the belle of the ball when she takes part in the Miss England contest in London later this month.

This year’s city beauty Leanne Groutage has been to the Bridal Boutique in Lowes-moor, Worcester to pick a dress to wear for the nationwide contest.

The store, which is sponsoring Miss Groutage for the event and providing her evening dress, said they were proud to be able to help.

Suzanne Lewis, one of the business partners of the store said she looked beautiful in the dress. She said: “She really is a lovely girl, very bubbly. She had come to try on the beautiful dress she had chosen by Alyce Designs and she does look amazing in it.

“We look forward to seeing her in Miss England and we will be voting for her. We can’t wait to see what she looks like on the night.”

The 17-year-old, who has just taken her AS-levels, said she was very grateful for the Bridal Boutique’s generosity.

“The dress is just lovely and the lady who fitted it for me was amazing. She made it fit so well and I am so pleased with it,” she said.

“I looked at the types of dresses the girls in the competition wore last year and I just wanted to go for something a bit different and very sophisticated. I just love the dress I have been given. I am so happy with how it looks and I am so pleased a local shop has supported me with this.

“I just want to make people in Worcester proud and make everyone know where we are. I hope lots of people vote for me in the contest and I can’t wait to have my hair, make-up and nails done and wear my dress with it so I can do the best I can on the day.”

Miss Groutage will be taking part in Miss England on Monday, July 20, at the London Hylton Metropole.

To vote for her to make it through to the final 15, text Leanne Groutage to 81118 (with capitals L and G) or visit missengland.info.