Woodford girl goes for Miss England

4:22pm Wednesday 21st March 2007

A WOODFORD girl needs your help to achieve her dream to become Miss England.

It is the first time Roxanne Branch, 17, has ever entered such a competition and the trainee beautician from West Grove, Woodford Green, is one of the top 20 candidates from across the UK competing for the title of Miss Photographic.

Roxanne was picked from over 150 girls to go up for the public vote which will select the top five beauties - one of whom will become Miss Photographic and go forward to the Miss England final.

"I did not expect to get this far," said Roxanne. "I have always wanted to do something like this and I am really excited because getting this far is really good.

"I would love to win, but whatever happens, at least it will be a good experience, and I will have more of a chance next year. I am starting young so I will be able to build up from this."

Roxanne has always wanted to be a model or television star as her mother, Mel Branch, worked for the Channel Four show The Big Breakfast, when Roxanne was a child.

She is the youngest of six children and has lived in Woodford Green all her life, attending Woodbridge High School until she went on to study at Hedgehogs hairdressing and beauty college in the Ilford Exchange.

She said: "I hope local people will vote for me because I know I would be a good representative for Essex."

Mrs Branch said: "Look out for Roxanne driving around in her little light blue Volkswagen Beetle Cabrolet and giver her a wave to show your support."

To vote for Roxanne text Roxanne Branch to 84205, or telephone 0901 656 1500 and enter number 15' to choose Roxanne. Voting ends at midnight on March 31. Log on to www.missengland.info to watch Roxanne's progress.