An Orpington businesswoman has spoken about becoming a Miss England semi-finalist after entering the competition to raise money for charity.

Prianka Sivanathan, 25, was attracted to the Miss England competition because of their international humanitarian projects for the charity Beauty with a Purpose.

The business graduate told News Shopper: "I plan on going back to university one day to do a business masters so I just entered Miss England to see what happens. It was the humanitarian side that got me into it.

"Modelling is quite new to me. I was not expecting to get this far so I am quite pleased with myself."

Prianka currently works for a care home company.

The next phase of the Miss England competition involves semi-finalists generating as much money as possible for Beauty with a Purpose.

Prianka hosted a charity dinner on December 30 where she auctioned some of her art work. She raised £1,025 on the night.

She is also planning to take part in a 5k Superhero run in May to raise more money for Beauty with a Purpose along with the mental health charity MIND.

Successful Miss England auditions in Leicester in October 2017 led Prianka to this point.

The experience has inspired her to consider a career in modelling and to enter the upcoming Miss London and Miss Orpington competitions.