Miss Southampton Larissa Hirst takes part in the Miss England semi-finals today.

The 23-year-old competes in the Nottingham event fresh after finishing a personal challenge by completing a ten-mile road race for charity.

Larissa, a South-ampton Solent University graduate, ran in the Alton 10 road race, raising cash for the Miss World charitable organisation, Beauty with a Purpose; which supports disabled, disadvantaged and sick children worldwide.

She said: “There were plenty of hills and slopes to contend with, and my legs are hurting a lot now but I have raised nearly £500, and counting, so it’s worth a bit pain.”

Larissa, who works at a digital marketing agency, added: “I’m certainly not the prettiest or smartest girl in Southampton, but I hope to encourage other young women to get involved in charity work and become more confident in their own skin. It’s been a great journey and I’ve really enjoyed meeting other like-minded girls.”

To vote for Larissa to get through to the June final in Torquay, text MISS SEMI48 to 64343. Texts cost £1.