AN East Lancashire woman who won a ‘bonny baby’ competition as a toddler is now hoping to become Miss England.

Sharni D’Souza is hoping to shine after reaching the semi-finals of the country’s top beauty competition.

She will now compete against 29 other girls for a place in the final next spring.

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She fought off stiff competition to get this far, showing off her catwalk skills to judges at auditions in Leicester.

It is not the first time that the 21-year-old has been recognised for her looks – she came first in a Blackburn Lions Gala baby competition when she was just 18 months old.

Miss England is the first beauty contest that Sharni, who works in sales, has entered since her victory as a ‘bonny baby’.

Three girls will go through to the final, where they will compete not only for prizes, including cash and a modelling contract, but also the chance to represent England at the Miss World competition in November 2015.

And Sharni is hoping that public votes will carry her through to the last round. She said: “This is something that I’ve always wanted to do and I think that you should always give something a try, so this year I decided to do it.

“I’m really excited about it, it’s only the second beauty contest that I’ve entered, and I entered Miss England because it gives you the chance to help others. I really hope people will vote for me.”

To vote for Sharni, text MissEngh19 to 63333 or visit www.missengland.info/regionals/semi-heat-1.

Texts cost 50p plus standard network charges, and voting will close at midnight on Sunday, November 30.