A teacher's childhood dream of being crowned a country's pageant queen could become a reality. 

As the middle child of five siblings, Shima Uddin, strived to be unique, to set herself aside from her four sisters and brother. 

Growing up, the 25-year-old of Peel Close, Chingford, glued herself to the television year-after-year to watch the Miss World Competition. 

The Enfield-based primary school teacher applied for Miss England back in October and was invited to the first round of auditions which comprised of a catwalk and photo-shoot.     

She is now one of twenty finalists out of more than 100 girls with a chance at making the semi-finals on June 12. 

The winner of Miss England then goes on to represent the nation at the Miss World competition. 

Ms Uddin said: "This is something I have always wanted to do but I honestly didn't think I would even get a response, let alone make it this far. 

"People see it as being quite shallow but Miss England is not just about what you look like, it's about being a well-rounded person, charitable and a good role model for women."

The former Chingford Foundation School pupil hopes her altruistic nature, having previously raised money for various children's charities, will put her in good stead is she makes it through to the final stage of the competition. 

The final will see a handful of women compete in raising money for Miss World's official charity - Beauty with a Purpose, take part in a series of catwalks and an intense fitness boot camp. 

To make it to the semi-final, Ms Uddin is calling on the public to vote for her. 

More information can be found here.