A 20-year-old from Maidstone is hoping to become Miss Kent.

Leah Edwards, aged 20, has won a place in the finals of the competition which is being judged tomorrow, at the Elite Venue in Dunkirk Close, Gravesend.

Miss Edwards who went to Cornwallis Academy and currently works in Clark's shoe shop, in Week Street, is competing with 11 other young women.

They must appear in three rounds: dressed in white casual clothes, swimsuits and evening gowns, before answering questions on their hopes and aspirations.

Miss Edwards, who has two autistic younger siblings, intends to use the opportunity to promote greater awareness of the condition.

She said: "It's a subject very close to my heart. For someone with autism, everyday tasks such as visiting local shops or travelling can be daunting

"A lack of understanding or knowledge of the condition among members of the public or staff can leave families with autistic members feeling as if they do not belong.

'It's a subject very close to my heart'

"If I win I want to use the platform given me to promote autism awareness training with businesses to help staff learn to identify the signs of autism."

The winner of Miss Kent will qualify to go on to compete to become Miss Great Britain.

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