A student could become one of Miss England's youngest ever winners after reaching the final aged just 16. Alanta Richards entered the Miss London competition earlier this year and missed out on a top three place.
But, having impressed the judges, she was given a 'wildcard' into the Miss England semi-finals. She then made it through to the grand final which takes place next month where she will be one of the youngest contestants.
And she told of her plans to imagine her favourite footballer Jadon Sanchez in the audience to help her beat the nerves. She said: "My mum said, 'imagine Jadon Sancho is watching you'. He’s my idol.
"I’m quite nervous for the catwalk and talking in front of the judges but I have a good friend in the final with me and we’re like sisters. She’s 27 and is like my older sister."
Alanta, from Farnham, Surrey, is currently studying for a BTEC in travel and tourism and would like to be an air stewardess. She said of her journey: “My mum at the start of this year said ‘I’ve got something to tell you’, and said she had entered me into Miss London.
“She said it was a pageant and a step forward for me because I’d always wanted to be a model and it would give me new opportunities. The judges selected me and I was the youngest in Miss London to ever get to the final.
“I didn’t get through as I didn’t get first, second or third, but they offered me wildcard entry. They offered me wildcard entry because they liked how I looked and how mature I was for only being 16. Joey Essex voted for me in London."
There are ten rounds in the final including swimwear, sports round, bare face, brightest smile and charity round. “I’m going to do a band night at a local pub and get someone to sing to raise money," said Alanta.
The final of the Miss England competition is on October 16 and 17.
