A SOUTH Lakeland woman is one of the finalists competing for the crown of Miss Cumbria.

Rebecca Thompson, 19, from Sedbergh will be attending the finals to be held in Carlisle on November 12.

“It has been overwhelming to be able to reach the finals,” Rebecca said. “The other girls have been amazing. It’s not a competition, it’s like a family.”

Rebecca, who works at Clarabelle Interiors in Kirkby Lonsdale, attended Settlebeck School in Sedbergh, where she was head girl and got the best GCSEs in the year and before studying her A-levels at Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Miss Cumbria, a competition for girls aged 17-26, aims to help the girls to gain more confidence and try new things while raising money for the children’s charity, Variety.

"I found out about Miss Cumbria on Facebook. I was especially interested in how it can help your confidence", Rebecca said. “It has been a great experience. I would recommend it to everyone.”

In the finals they will attend a catwalk and are asked to model four outfits, which include sportswear, a Saturday night outfit, evening/prom wear as well as an eco-outfit.

With this year’s theme being the countries of the world in the Rio Olympics, Rebecca has chosen Spain as her country and will be making a flamenco dress to wear in the final.

In order to take part in the final, all girls must raise a minimum of £200 pounds for the chosen charity, a target which Rebecca has already exceeded.

The public can vote for the finalists by text message. To vote for Rebecca, text "MISS CU11" to 63333. Texts cost 50p plus standard network rate and money raised goes towards Variety.

For more information, see Rebecca’s Facebook page 'Rebecca Thompson Miss Cumbria 2016 Finalist'.