by Graham Tutthill

Dover student Chantelle Ghyselen is appealing to local people to help her reach the semi-finals of the Miss England competition.

Chantelle, who is 17, is one of only 21 girls in the quarter-finals of the contest.

She started dancing when she was two and attends the Tenterden Ballet Studio learning ballet, jazz, tap, modern, urban and contemporary dance.

Chantelle and her family moved to Dover in 2004 and she is now studying for a national diploma in performing arts at Canterbury College, mainly in dance.

Her mother entered her for the Miss England competition, and it’s the first time she has ever done any sort of modelling.

She has had a professional photoshoot at the Fresh Academy in Watford where staff were so impressed with her they gave her the details of 20 agencies who they thought may be interested in her.

"As far as we know, she is the only contestant from Kent, Surrey or Sussex taking part in the competition, so we hope the whole region will support her," said her father Tim.

At five feet two inches tall, Chantelle, who has medium brown hair, is too short for catwalk modelling, but is ideal for swimwear and magazines.

She said she was excited about taking part in the competition, as well as a little apprehensive.

As part of the competition, she has to raise money for the Variety Club of Great Britain.

People can vote for Chantelle by texting "Chantelle Ghyselen" to 84205. To vote from a landline dial 0901 6561500 and enter 05 when prompted. All votes cost 60 pence plus standard network charge if voting by mobile.

Winning the public vote will not guarantee winning the overall competition, but it does count towards it.

Voting finishes at noon on January 5. Votes sent in after that will not count, but may still be charged.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.