Black Country's Jade chasing Miss England dream

Jade Secker, 24, from Wombourne, has been shortlisted for two rounds in the competition, which is taking place at Coventry's Ricoh Arena over the next 48 hours.

She is working hard to give herself the best chance of making the top 15.

To win the prestigious pageant, which has been running for more than 60 years, contestants have to prove themselves all-rounders - not just a pretty face.

And in the event of a tie in scores, the public vote can act as a decider as judges turn to the popularity round to name a final winner.

Jade is urging people from the Black Country to text in the message of 'MISSENGLAND23' to 63333.

People can read about her journey so far on her blog at www.missenglandwm.com/myblackcountry

She has so far been shortlisted for both the talent round and the Billion Dollar Smile award.

Other rounds included in the competition are Miss Popularity, Miss Eco, Miss Sportswoman, Miss Fresh Modelesque, Miss Publicity, and Miss Beauty with a Purpose.

"People hear 'beauty pageant' and immediately think of girls in bikinis on a catwalk," she said. "But there is so much more to the competition than that and all of the finalists are working very hard to be the all-rounder the crown requires."

Jade raised £1,000 for Beauty with a Purpose, the charity affiliated with the competition, from her regional heat along with a further £2,133 by organising a Black Country Ball.

The charity supports projects and other charities the world over whose aim is to support disadvantaged children.

"I wanted to do something that not only raised vital funds for the charity, but also represented just some of the amazing talent and synonymous items to have come out of the Black Country.

"So I decided to organise a themed Black Country Ball."

This fitted in well alongside the work Jade has been doing to raise the profile of charities and with her involvement in the Black Country Festival this year.

The Miss England finals have a James Bond theme.

Jade said: "I am so honoured to be representing the Black Country at the Miss England national finals and I hope to do my region proud.

"Whilst winning the Miss England crown would be a life-changing opportunity, just taking part in the experience and making the finals is a massive achievement and something I will always be very proud of."