SHE is more accustomed to the red carpet and the catwalk than the red and white stripes of Saints.

But Hampshire’s beauty queen is backing her county’s number one club as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Grace Levy, 22, was crowned Miss Hampshire at Southampton’s WestQuay shopping centre in February, after beating off competition from 11 other finalists.

Grace, from Titchfield, is now preparing to compete against girls from across the country at the Miss England final in Leicester, on June 24 and 25.

And psychology graduate Grace hopes Saints can follow in her footsteps, and go on to compete against the country’s best, in the Premier League.

“Having a local team in the Premier League is definitely something to be proud of,” she said.

“Portsmouth aren’t doing too well at the moment, so hopefully Saints can do it and give Hampshire a Premier League club again.

“I used to go and see Saints play quite a lot. It was always great fun and the atmosphere at St Mary’s is amazing. I used to love that. It would be good to give those fans something to cheer.”

Nigel Adkins’ men are now within touching distance of a long-awaited return to the Premier League, following a seven-year absence.

If Saints beat Reading, their nearest rivals, in Friday’s crunch match at St Mary’s and West Ham fail to pick up any points against Brighton, Southampton would be nine points clear, with a superior goal difference.

Grace believes that the squad have what it takes to finish the job, despite the pressure of the promotion run-in.

“They have just got to keep playing well and go for it,” she said.

“They are top of the table, they have a great chance to go up and I’m sure they will do it.”

n How are you backing Saints’ Charge for the Premier League? Contact Luke Tugby on luke.tugby@dailyecho.co.uk, or call 023 8042 4503.