A Hitchin actress hopes to bring home national titles after being crowned Miss Hertfordshire.
Kate Gee-Finch will represent the county at the Miss England finals in Newark next month, with hopes to go on and take the Miss World crown in China in October.
She told the Comet: “My supportive parents have always encouraged hard work.
“This has made me into an independent and driven woman who wants to embrace her body, embrace her mind, and embrace her beliefs.
“I believe that is the type of role model Miss England are seeking.
“I have made some amazing friends through the competition and learnt that it’s not really a competition against other candidates, but rather one yourself, to seek to be the best version of yourself.
“I’ve taken the opportunity to grow and learn promotional business skills – something that is key if you want to rise in today’s industry.”
Prior to pageant life, Kate worked as a cleaner in schools, and took on three jobs while studying for at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – where she achieved a first-class degree.
She also held down multiple jobs while studying for her GCSEs and A-levels, which she took at Knights Templar School in Baldock.
After winning the Miss Hertfordshire title, Kate wrote to her former gap-year company, The Leap. which then granted her sponsorship to complete a conservation mission trip for three weeks in Costa Rica.
She had also previously travelled to Kenya, aged 18, to work in schools and animal sancutaries.
The 26-year-old added: “Long gone are the days of judging aesthetic beauty. The competition now seeks a woman with the ‘X-factor’.
“As a title holder, it’s my job to organise charity events to raise funds for Beauty with a Purpose – a global charity aiding children worldwide.
“There are several rounds to help each contestant showcase their talents and hard work ethic.
“These include an eco-round, general knowledge test, top talent and publicity.
“Contestant county winners include girls of all shapes, backgrounds and strengths to represent our diverse country.”
Kate has more charity plans, and is supporting Cancer Research UK via her fundraising page virginmoneygiving.com/Kate4MissEngland.
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