A Shropshire woman has made it through to the UK final of an environmentally friendly beauty competition.
Tabatha Leigh, 24, from Cleobury Mortimer, will be taking part in the final of Miss Earth UK next month.
She is about to start training as a teacher after finishing her degree in Geography, Archaeology and Heritage, and is a “green” fan.
She said: “I just saw an advert for this competition and as there was no swimsuit section I thought it would be fun.
“I have worked for English Heritage, so the environment is very important to me. This is a great opportunity to reach out to lots of people and let them know about the three Rs - Reduce, Re-use and Recycle - and to encourage people to plant trees.
“I encourage those close to me already but the more people who I can reach, the more difference I can make.”
Tabatha said she saw the advert one day with her boyfriend and applied but never thought she would even get to this stage.
To get through, she had to answer lots of questions on green issues, promote recycling and plant as many trees as possible.
The competition started in June and voting was held online.
For the August 30 final in Leamington Spa, Tabatha will compete against 44 other contestants in evening dress. She must also learn a dance, which will be judged.
If Tabatha gets through, she will represent the UK in the internationally televised Miss Earth pageant between October 19 and November 10 in the Philippines where 90 countries will be represented.
If any environmental group or companies would like a helping hand, or if anyone can donate any trees to Tabatha so she can plant them with local community groups, she can be contacted at tufataba@tiscali.co.uk.
Although Tabatha is through to the final, votes will help her get further. You can vote for her by texting Tabatha Leigh to 84205 or call 09016 561570 and key in number 19.
All votes cost £1 plus standard network charge which includes a 15p donation to the World Wildlife Fund.
For more information go to www.missearthuk.co.uk.
By Catherine Roche
Share this article:
What are these?