A boxing fanatic from Rickmansworth has reached the final of a major beauty pageant.

Charlotte White will be one of 40 contestants to take part in Miss Universe Great Britain – a contest used to select Britain’s entry for Miss Universe.

The 25-year-old recruitment consultant fought off competition from hundreds of other hopefuls to reach the final three-day event that will take place in Wales, in July.

Charlotte said: “I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist and will be doing all that I can in the next few months to prepare.

“Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and it’s going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun.

“I feel I have grown a lot in myself in the past year and if I win the title of Miss Universe Great Britain, I want to put the title to good use and talk to children at schools about Domestic Violence, as this is a topic very close to my heart.

“In my spare time I enjoy boxing, which is not something you would associate with a pageant girl. It is my passion and I love the sport.”

The three-day final will involve an empowerment day, a dinner with family and friends and a catwalk show before a panel of judges.

The winner will represent the UK for three weeks at an overseas location later this year, and will also visit India to support the Hangout initiative that helps women who have been the victim of acid attacks.

National director of Miss Universe Great Britain, Paula Abbandonato, said: “Pageantry in the UK is more popular than ever before and we have the most amazing line-up of young women from England, Scotland and Wales vying for the crown this year. It’s going to be an excellent competition and I wish them all the very best of luck.”

Miss Universe is an international beauty pageant held in more than 190 countries. It was previously owned by President of the United States Donal Trump before he sold the contest to IMG.