Tipton model lands spot in Miss England final

Raven Dixon Biggs, from Tipton, has been selected as a judges' choice and competed against 63 other women for the coveted place.

Raven, who has previously appeared in The Only Way is Essex as an extra, said she was 'over the moon' to have got a place in the prestigious final and said she 'owes her life' to the competition.

She said: "I was genuinely over the moon and shocked. I've been working towards this moment since I was 19.

"Through my own personal struggles such as domestic violence relationships, losing my dad to suicide and being knocked down mentally several times, Miss England has kept me motivated, strong and determined always.

"I owe my life to Miss England. Through suicidal lows it's been the high that has kept me going.

"Without pageantry I don't know where I would be and if I'd still be waking up everyday continuing to deal with life's everyday struggles.

"I'm so grateful to everyone that has supported me from the beginning, I will continue to do my country proud always."

Raven added: "I'm so happy that I've finally become a finalist after four years of perseverance. I'm most definitely ready for the Miss England title."

The Miss England grand final will take place at Resorts World in Birmingham from July 12 to 14.

Angie Beasley, Miss England national director, said: “The competition is about being beautiful inside and out, we are not just looking for a pretty face."

Raven will be competing against 49 other woman in the final.