Sofia in finals of Miss Asiana 2014

Sofia Chaudrey (23), of Robinson Lane, Reedley, is one of just 15 girls from across the UK and Europe to compete at Vatika Miss Asiana 2014, which represents the diversity of young modern Asian women.

The former Thomas Whitham Sixth Form student, who is in her final year at the University of Huddersfield, will also volunteer with partnering UK charity ANGEL! Foundation, which fights against female foeticide and other related crimes that women face in India, as well as supporting fund-raising and spreading awareness about the charity in the UK.

Sofia said: “I’d like to be a role model for young Asian girls who aspire to be a model to have confidence in their exotic beauty that they’ve been blessed with and have the courage to pursue their dreams.

“This is my first pageant. I’m excited but the nerves are kicking in now. I’m not your stereotypical model.

“You don’t have to be a size zero, being beautiful is all about being comfortable in your own skin.”

The winner will be given a £100,000 modelling contract with Asian magazine Asiana and its associated brands, which will include being on the cover of the next issue and a national TV commercial with a beauty brand.

The pageant, which is taking place in London tomorrow, has a star-studded judging panel which includes Miss Liverpool 2010 winner and actress Amy Jackson and actor Upen Patel.