Ellie's bid to win Miss Nottingham

Ellie Dawson, 19, of Park Drive, is one of 22 finalists chosen for the annual “beauty with a purpose” competition.

The winner of the 2016 Miss Nottingham gong, announced next Thursday, will represent the city for a year and also be entered for the Miss England competition, and potentially Miss World.

Ellie, a former National student, said: “I am very excited as this is something I have wanted to do for a very long time and in future will give me the opportunity to make a change in many communities!”

Each year contestants raise money for a charity, and in 2016 it is Hope For Cancer. Ellie has so far raised £250 just through a GoFundMe page on the internet, and by asking family and friends to donate via social media.

She is also competing for the Miss Popularity crown, where the public get to vote for their favourite contender by text, as well as a Miss Publicity crown.

To vote for Ellie text ‘MISS NOTTS10’ to 63333

Ellie has played netball for Hucknall Town Netball Club since 2005, and went on to play for Nottinghamshire County before being selected for the British Colleges netball squad last year.

She is a committed member of the Nottinghamshire police cadets where she carries out community works like selling poppies.

She said: “My favourite was at Easter in 2015, we collected Easter eggs from local businesses and took them to Derby Children’s Hospital.

“This was hugely rewarding and will always be something I remember.”