An 18-year-old coffee shop waitress from County Durham has reached the semi-finals of the Miss England competition that will take place in Blackpool later this year.
Imogen Storey, from Sherburn Hill in County Durham, qualified as a semi-finalist after competing in a virtual heat and will fight for her place in the final at Viva Blackpool on October 16.
The budding star currently works at Coffee at Chesney's in Durham as a waitress, but she has also recently sat her A-Level exams in English Literature, English Language and History.
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Speaking to The Northern Echo, Imogen explained her journey to Miss England and how she decided to embark on this journey.
"I entered Miss England after I had been at the Sedgefield Races, where I was entered in a ladies fashion competition there.
"I didn't win, but when I got home I became really interested in entering similar competitions and that is when we came across Miss England - me and my mum were super excited."
Imogen was then selected by the public through virtual heats and an interview process which she said was a "positive" experience.
However, despite all this excitement, she admitted the experience is rather unexpected.
She said: "It is quite spontaneous. I have always been very academic and that is where my major interests lie.
"This experience has opened up new interests for me - I never knew I would be into something like this which makes it really exciting. It's a really big thing for me."
Part of the contest sees entrants work with a chosen charity, with Imogen's pick being Freedom4Girls, a charity that sews and distributes reusable sanitary products across the UK and in Kenya.
Should she gets the grades, Imogen will also be off to Durham University this September to study English Literature where she will be able to balance her academic and competition life.
But, the achievements don't stop there - she has also been invited to take part in the FAB UK TOP MODEL contest on September 22 in London which also counts as the "alternative round" for the Miss England competition.
If Imogen wins said modelling contest, her place in the final could be secured.
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A spokesperson for Coffee at Chesney's, where she works and also who is sponsoring her journey, has expressed their delight at her achievements as they wish her the best.
They said: "Imogen has been with us for just over three years after a firm recommendation from her grandad, who was a favoured regular.
"She’s a fabulous member of the team and we couldn’t be happier to support her exciting endeavours.
"She’s nicknamed Naomi due to her long legs, so we’re not shocked she’s entered a modelling competition and we wish her the best of luck. She also makes a canny cuppa!”
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