She's known for her trademark curly hair, but now a self-confessed tomboy footballer has proved she can bend stereotypes as easily as David Beckham bends a free kick.

Samantha Miller, of Broadfields, Edgware, has made it to the final 25 of the Miss Hertfordshire competition, beating more than 250 others in a series of tough heats.

But she will have her eyes set on something more than just appealing for world peace at the finals on April 13 - as she wants to prove even the sportiest girls can enjoy the finer things in life.

The 20-year-old said: “I thought I’d give it a go - I play sports but I am a girly girl at heart. There are different sides to me.

“It’s been a big confidence boost. I’ve got a competitive nature already from sport, so it’s been really exciting having something else to strive for.”

Samantha began playing for West Ham Ladies FC after a stint at Tottenham Ladies last year, so when she heard about the competition, she saw it as an excuse to dress up.

She admits she is a little like the Sandra Bullock character in the film Miss Congeniality - a tomboy FBI agent who undergoes a full makeover to enter the Miss United States pageant.

She added: “I suppose I am similar to Miss Congeniality in that way. There’s a bit of stereotyping with tomboys like me.”

The sports science student at the University of Hertfordshire is now looking forward to strutting her stuff on the catwalk during the finals.

She is now pouring all her efforts into raising as much money as possible for the pageant’s nominated charity, Beauty with a Purpose.

Samantha added: “My best feature is my hair as I’ve got big, blonde curls - it’s what I am remembered for. I never pictured myself entering something like this but now I can’t wait for the finals.”