COPIES of The Gazette could help a young woman achieve her dream of becoming Miss Hampshire 2014.

The newspapers will be transformed into an outfit to be worn by Coral Richardson in an eco round at the final of the beauty contest this month.

The 22-year-old has already impressed judges in the first round of the competition, for which she took part in a photo shoot.

The weather was cold and windy and not ideal for an outside shoot, but Coral encouraged the other contestants and supported those who were particularly nervous.

Now, the Basingstoke hospital health care assistant is hoping to amaze judges with her recycled dress at the final on March 15, being held at Alton House Hotel.

Coral decided to enter the competition to try and boost her confidence. She struggled to socialise with friends, who were all going out drinking. Coral, who does not drink because she has seen the negative effects alcohol had on a family member, said: “I’m 22 and I never go out. A lot of my friends say I need to boost my confidence.”

As part of the competition, Coral has been raising money for a charity called Beauty with a Purpose, which is the official charity of the Miss World contest.

The charity helps disadvantaged children all over the world, and Miss World contestants have set up projects in more than 100 counties.

Coral, who has worked with autistic children, said: “I have held two pub quizzes and I’m doing a raffle.”

If she wins the Miss Hampshire competition, Coral will go on to compete in Miss England.