A Hartley woman has dazzled her way into the final of a national beauty pageant.
Emma McKeown, aged 27, of Ash Road, currently holds the title of South East's Dazzling Beauty 2014 - and is all set to run for the title of the UK's Dazzling Beauty.
The senior neonatal support worker, who works at Darent Valley Hospital was crowned most dazzlingly beautiful in the South East at regional finals in Guildford on September 7.
Miss McKeown topped the vote in the Miss Popular and best summer wear categories - seeing her crowned overall winner of the competition.
This success won the beauty queen a place in the grand final which will be held in Brighton next month.
She said: "The competition involves various rounds including summer wear, evening wear, dazzling wear and interviews before the pageant starts and also one on stage.
"You are also judged on charity efforts and community involvement and appearances.
"There is a large emphasis on raising money for charity - my chosen charity is the Little Buds Fund for babies who are in hospital at Darent Valley."
Miss McKeown, who previously entered the south eastern heats for Miss England in 2011, says she entered the competition to help boost her self-confidence and raise the profile of her chosen charity.
She added: "It gives you loads of confidence whether or not you win because it’s a real achievement just taking part.
"It’s also nice to meet like minded people from all over the country.
"Winning feels amazing, not only is it recognition for all the effort you have put in but also means you can raise more awareness for your charity and also, hopefully inspire other girls to follow their dreams."
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