Beauties vying to be crowned Queen of Green

Natalie Kenneally, of Pine Gardens, Aveley, and Katie Amess, from Westcliff, both 22, beat more than 1,000 entries to make it through to the final 50 of the competition.

Katie is the daughter of former Basildon MP David Amess, who is now MP for Southend West.

Natalie, who works as a concessions manager at House of Fraser, Lakeside, was entered into the competition by a friend who sent pictures to the organisers.

The bubbly brunette was over the moon to find out she had made it through to the finals at Leamington Spa, on Saturday, August 30.

She said: “When I got the call saying I’d made it to the next stage, I was so excited because I’ve been trying to get into modelling.

“I think the fact the competition is eco-friendly makes it even better.

“I always do my recycling to help the environment. Part of the competition is to undertake projects, like planting trees, which I am also interested in.”

During the pageant, participants are required to plant trees, attend environmental seminars and teach people about the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle.

Natalie said she is looking forward to the final, where guests of honour will include Sugababe Keisha Buchanan.

Natalie, who is 5ft 8in tall, added: “I’d really like to encourage people to vote for me and I’d like to thank my sponsors, Suzi Wigs at Lakeside and House of Couture in Hornchurch for supplying me with dresses.”

The Miss Earth UK winners will include four contestants from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who will get the chance to travel to the Miss Earth International competition.

They will then compete with winners from more than 90 countries in the final in the Philippines.

The UK competition aims to be carbon-neutral, with all carbon emissions offset by the planting of 100 trees.

To vote for Natalie, who is running as Miss South East and North, text “Natalie Kenneally” to 84205, or phone 0901 656 1570 + 55. Lines close on Saturday.