A Norwich beauty is getting ready to take part in her first big international pageant.

Former Hellesdon High School pupil Kerry Brady will vie to become 'Miss British Empire' at a contest in Buckinghamshire on Friday, competing against women from as far afield as Australia and India.

Miss Brady, who works as a negotiator at Abbotts Countrywide in Norwich, was previously crowned 'Miss East Anglia' at a pageant in Cambridge in 2013 and won a 'Miss Beauty and Brains' category in the British Empire pageant in Derby earlier this year.

She said she was excited about taking part in the final, and said she was busy getting ready by hunting for a new evening gown and working out.

Miss Brady said: 'It's all so I can feel more confident on the day, which is going to be aired on Sky TV.

'The swimwear round is going to be like a Victoria's Secret catwalk, so I'm currently in the process of making a outfit which involves lots of feathers.

'These events are a great way to meet new people and I hope this will open up other doors for the future.'

The competition, which is now in its seventh year, has nine age categories for men, women, boys and girls ranging upwards from age four.

The contestants take part in master classes focusing on health and wellness, public speaking, social media etiquette, catwalk skills and stage presence.

Scoring is based on their performance in event preparation and community work, photo shoots, live catwalks and a talent or personality round.

Miss Brady said she wanted to be seen as a role model through the authenticity of her style.

She said: 'I didn't wear any false eyelashes, or hair extensions, the most I went for was a spray tan.

'I feel lots of girls feel pressured by certain media to look perfect and have cosmetic surgery, but I would like to be a role model to show it doesn't have to be that way.'

If she won, Miss Brady said she would also use the title to fundraise for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said she wanted to thank her sponsors and supporters including Lovelengths and Mr Plastic and the Art House in Derby, and any other potential sponsors could email her at Kerry.brady@outlook.com.