A young basketball player is one of 11 contestants competing to become the next Miss England.

Joanne Murefu, a PR consultant from Hendon, is competing in the third semi-final heat for Miss England 2018.

Ms Murefu, who has represented Hendon in national basketball competitions, will participate in a Sports and Eco Fashion round, making an outfit from recycled materials and raise funds for Miss World's official charity, Beauty with a Purpose.

The ultimate winner will spend her year raising awareness for charities and receive prizes worth £25,000, including a luxury holiday and a place in Miss World, which has a prize worth $100,000.

Miss England national director Angie Beasley said: "The competition is much more than a physical beauty contest, the girls are encouraged to be charitable, sporty and an all round good role model and have the opportunity to show off any talents they may have."

The public vote, which counts as the equivalent of one judge on the panel, is underway and the public can vote for Ms Murefu by texting MISS SEMI08 to 63333 before 12pm on January 31.