AFTER reaching the final last year, Miss Basingstoke Nicola Ascroft is looking to go one step further in 2017 and claim the Miss England crown.

The 23-year-old, beauty therapist and hairdresser from Popley enters the Miss England competition for the third year in a row.

Miss Ascroft has already impressed the judges for next year’s competition after auditioning at Miss England Headquarters on October 22, to reach second semi-final heat.

Having finished 19th overall in the competition this year and having raised £12,800 for charities over the last two years , Miss Ascroft is hoping her experience in the pageant will see her go all the way to the top in 2017.

“I definitely believe making the top 20 in the final last year has spurred me on and give n me the motivation to enter again,” Miss Ascroft told The Gazette.

“It’s a fantastic organisation that oozes great opportunities for everyone.”

The beauty therapist will now have a month to promote herself in and around Basingstoke on social media to gain votes from the public.

During this time, she must also raise awareness and funds for the Miss World Charity ‘Beauty with a Purpose’.

The judging panel will decide who is the most photogenic and has promoted themselves and the charity the most, including gaining votes through the public vote to secure a place in the semifinal, which will be held in June 2017.

In the last three years the competition has raised more than £800,000 to help disadvantaged children living in the UK, and this is a side to the pageant Miss Ascroft is particularly passionate about.

“One of the main reasons I have entered again is because of that platform it gives us all to be able to raise funds and awareness for multiple charities of our choice," added the 23-year-old.

“As well as the charity which is at the heart of Miss World – Beauty With A Purpose – helping disadvantaged children worldwide.

“I also enjoy myself while taking part in the competition. It truly has enabled me to become the best version of myself.”

The 23-year-old is now looking to the residents of Basingstoke and Deane to support her in her quest to be crowned Miss England 2017. To vote for Miss Ascroft simply text MISS SEMI13 to 63333.