Beauty star in top 10 at Miss England competition
A BEAUTY queen from Hinckley finished in the top 10 at the Miss England 2016 competition.
Rheo Parnell fought off 22,000 entries to finish sixth overall in the national pageant held in Southport.
The 17-year-old, who is the reigning and youngest ever Miss Coventry and Warwickshire, said she is “delighted” with the result.
She said: “I admit, if I had not placed anywhere I would have been disappointed, but I would still have come away with so much - a new found confidence and a realisation that to feel good about yourself you need to care about others.
“I have made some of the very best friends imaginable, and I am thankful to the Miss England organisation for all the opportunities that are coming my way as a direct result of entering.”
The competition consisted of several rounds spread over a number of months, including sports fitness, fundraising, talent and an eco-fashion round where contestants were given the chance to create outfits made from recycled materials.
Rheo added: “I had underestimated the dedication and commitment the competition would require, thinking initially that it would be a bit of fun.
“But I soon realised that if I was to succeed I would need to put all of my effort in to the various, diverse aspects incorporated”.
The teenager promised to continue raising money for Miss England’s charity partner Beauty with a Purpose.
She has raised more than £2,500 through a series of events and is releasing a charity single called Our World soon in the hope of smashing her £3,000 target.
The Miss England finalists will feature in the music video of the charity single, which is being produced by her Rugby-based record label Big Help Management Academy,
To donate, visit her fundraising page on uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MISSCOVENTRY2016
Listen to a preview of the charity single on www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XX7oTRCaVV0