REBECCA Cole is in the running to be crowned Miss England.

The accountancy student, from Stratton, was officially crowned by the current Miss England at the Old Bank on Sunday.

Now the 23-year-old believes she has a chance of making the final because there are a lot of pretty girls out there "but few have the brains to match the beauty".

She was named Miss Swindon after judges could not decide between her and Fadwa Boutorfas - so they chose them both - naming Fadwa Miss Wiltshire.

Rebecca says she found out about winning the title two weeks ago, but has refused to stop calling organisers, because she thought they were going to change their minds.

"Until I got my sash and my crown I just didn't believe that I had actually won," she said.

"It was a surreal feeling.

"I didn't tell any of my friends because I thought they would change their mind."

But now that she has the crown she is ready to fight for the title of Miss England for Swindon.

She said: "I really want to do well in this competition for Swindon.

"We have Jamie Cox, Melinda Messenger, XTC and Billie Piper.

"We have a lot going for us and it is time to get some credit and get our name out there.

"I think I have a chance at Miss England because they don't just judge the winner on beauty and the way you look.

"They also weigh a certain amount on your poise and your brain.

"My talent as Miss Swindon will be painting portraits for example."

The New College student added that although she has won this title, she wants to be more than just Miss Swindon.

She added: "I am going to be doing a lot for charity in my spare time and am happy to work for free for anyone who would like me to be the face of their campaign.

"I plan on giving blood in the near future, and running the Swindon half marathon in October for cancer research."

And for all you suitors out there Miss Swindon says that although she has "someone special" she does not have a boyfriend.

She reckons that the most attractive thing in any man is determination.

Rebecca will be competing in the Miss England semi-finals on June 16 and 17 at Champney's Health Spa in London.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Rebecca can visit www.myspace.com/rebeccacoleswindon.