STOURBRIDGE College art student Sophia De Beer has designs on becoming the next Miss Worcestershire.

The 19-year-old from Hartlebury, near Kidderminster, is hoping to walk away with the crown when she takes part in the beauty pageant next month.

Born in Holland, Sophia studied at Hagley RC High School before moving on to Stourbridge College's art and design campus in Brierley Hill where she is specialising in textiles and design.

The petite brunette hopes to qualify for a place at Nottingham and Trent University and ultimately aims to start her own online soft furnishings business.

Sporty Sophia has also trained with Birchfield Harriers and won junior athletic titles for Worcestershire in cross country and 800 metres events.

She also helps out part-time in her parents' Fuchsiavale Garden Centre and Palm Tree Cafe.

Encouraged by her brothers Emilio and Javier to enter the competition, she said: "I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone like doing charity work in schools, I would like to get girls more involved in after-school clubs and other activities."

The Miss Worcestershire competition is being judged at Worcester Guildhall on November 2.