Rainham secretary Tanya Walker has reached the final of a national beauty pageant.

The 24-year-old, of Mardale Close, is hoping to be crowned Miss Earth England after winning a regional heat.

The competition seeks contestants able to demonstrate an awareness for environmental issues.

Tanya works for secretarial and book-keeping firm PDQ in Rainham High Street and volunteers at the RSPCA centre in Leybourne.

She said: "I've organised recycling at work and I love animals. I was ecstatic about winning because this isn't any old pageant - it means a lot.

The final is on Saturday, September 11, in Blackpool.

Tanya is looking for your vote to help her win the People' s Choice Award category.

She needs as many public votes as possible and a 10p donation from all votes will go to the winner's chosen charity.

Tanya's charity will be the RSPCA. To vote simply send a text with 'Miss Earth Medway' to 81118 or call 0901 293 7972 + 40 (Tanya's unique code)