Miss Britain army lass hopeful found 'catwalk scarier than Iraq'

London, July 19 : Competitor for the Miss England crown, Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge stated that she found walking the catwalk scarier than her time in Iraq.

Hodge, 21, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was commended for her bravery in Iraq and awarded the Eco Girl Award.

"I am an ambassador for the whole of the armed forces," the Sun quoted Hodge as saying as she collected her prize. "I have been to Iraq but there is nothing scarier than walking on this stage," she had added.

Winner of the title was 22-year-old Laura Coleman, who was dressed all in purple as she was crowned Miss England July 18, following in a family tradition.

"My mum and my gran were both beauty queens. It's a dream to do this," she said.

Graduate Coleman will now compete in Miss World in Kiev, Ukraine, in October.

In second place was Miss Surrey, Chloe Marshall, 17, from Cranleigh, who is the first size 16 girl to reach this stage of the competition.

"I wanted to enter Miss England so show everyone that you can be beautiful no matter what size you are and that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes," Marshall said.

Third place went to Miss Norwich, Jessica Linley, 18.

ANI