A Halstead mum is in the running to be crowned Miss Essex.
Danielle Johnson, 26, who lives in the White Horse Avenue area of Halstead, was entered into the competition by her boyfriend, Craig Clarke, after she saw the competition online.
“He did it as a surprise - he’s a nightmare,” she joked.
“He keeps saying I should do modelling.
“I didn’t mind that he entered me but I am a little shocked.
“I am definitely feeling nervous as I have never done anything like this before.”
The emphasis of the competition is more on personality rather than looks.
Danielle, who is mum to two-year-old Ezmae-Rose Tymms, will have to take part in three catwalks in different outfits, including a little black dress, jeans, and a ball gown.
She will be competing against 40 other hopefuls at the competition on March 10 at Parklands Quendon Hall, near Saffron Walden.
She added: “I’ve already bought myself a new prom dress and I’ll need to buy the other outfits as well.
“It is quite exciting.
“I’m just entering to take part for the experience, but obviously it would be great if I was a runner up or something.”
Her partner, Craig Clarke, said: “She is really pretty, and I’m not just saying that.
“She is naturally good looking and doesn’t wear much make-up.”
The winner of each catwalk, plus the winner of Miss Popularity as chosen by the public vote and those chosen by judges on the night, will form the Top Ten who will go through to the final.
The winner of the final will be entered into the Miss England 2016 National Final, who will then compete in the Miss World 2016 competition.
People can vote for Danielle, who is sponsored by Imperial Bird of Prey, in Billericay, to win the Miss Popularity contest by voting either online of by text from 9am on February 12 until 8pm on the day of the final.
People are also encouraged to “like” her photo, found on the Facebook page under the name Daniie, so she can be crowned Miss Social Media.
Details of how to vote can be found online at facebook.com/missessexcontest or missengland.info/regionals/essex
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