THREE women from the News Shopper area have got through to the semi-finals of this year’s Miss England competition.

Kimberley Cooper, from Petts Wood, Longfield’s Yasmin Pearce, 19, and Ora Ugbekile, 22, from Thamesmead, are now all one step closer to the chance to represent the country at Miss World.

They will be going to the semi-final of the Miss England contest in Ashby de la Zouche, Leicestershire, on June 8.

Success there would grant them a place in the competition final at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in central London on July 20.

Speaking to the News Shopper last November, 19-year-old Miss Cooper, of Chislehurst Road, was confident about her chances.

The former Darrick Wood School pupil said: “I think the judges are looking for something more than just looks, being good at public speaking and having a good personality are important.

“I think I stand a good chance of winning it if I make it through this round - my boyfriend and parents are completely behind me.”