BEAUTY Queen hopefuls will be crossing their fingers this weekend as they take to the stage to compete for the Miss Swindon and Miss Wiltshire crowns.

The Swindon and Wiltshire round of the Miss England competition takes place at Bush-wackers on Sunday and everyone is invited to watch the 20 hopefuls take part.

Last year’s competition saw Hannah Golding, of Royal Wootton Bassett, take the Miss Swindon crown and she will be competing in the Miss England semi-final at the end of the month.

Hannah, now one of the judges, said: “I am very impressed with what the girls have been doing for their charity work. On Sunday I hope we will find someone who is beautiful on the inside as well as out.

“We will be looking for someone who can carry on the hard work that myself and the current Miss Wiltshire, Jo Logan, have been carrying out this year.

“It has been an amazing year. I have done so many things I wouldn’t have dreamed of.”

The competition will see the girls modelling eco-outfits they have created, as well as modelling ballgowns and answering questions from the judges.

The winner of Miss Swindon will compete in the semi-final of the Miss World competition at the prestigious Champneys Health Spa next year.

The winner of Miss Wiltshire will win direct entry to the grand final in June this year.

If they are successful, they could become Miss England, which will lead to the Miss World competition.

Emily Cooper, 24, of Redhouse, is the current Miss Swindon Galaxy and hopes that will help her take either the Miss Swindon or Miss Wiltshire crown.

“It is the third time I have entered, but it is sadly my last time. I have hit the age limit, so I am hoping this will be my most successful,” she said. “I will be happy with Miss Wiltshire or Miss Swindon. Going straight through to the final as Miss Wiltshire would be amazing.

“My experience from pageants has helped me gain so much confidence. I want to try and inspire other girls to do the same. At school I was so quiet, and talking in front of two people, let alone a whole crowd, would never have happened. Meeting people and putting myself out there has been so good.”

Also hoping for success is Leanne Britton, 16, of Royal Wootton Bassett.

“I want to win Miss Swindon because I do a lot of charity work and I will get so much more support to raise more money if I win,” she said.

Other contestants include Gemma Drew, Ela Good and Ruth Johnson.

Tickets for the competition, which starts at 7pm, are available on the night.

Visit www.missengland.info.