A budding young chef will dust off her apron and don her evening gown when she represents Middlesex in an international beauty pageant.

Saffron Corcordan is representing the county at the Face of Europe competition at Disneyland Paris next month.

The 16-year-old, who is studying to be a chef at Westminster Kingsway College, qualified among 15 UK finalists via last month’s London heats.

She said: “I’m really excited – I’m not nervous at all. I’m a sociable girl anyway and it’s a great opportunity to make new friends form all different backgrounds.”

Saffron, of Axeminster Road, in Holloway, Islington, has previously won the Miss Charity Queen at the Teen Queen UK contest and enjoys the glamour of entering beauty pageants.

She said: “Sometimes I spend all day in the kitchen so it is nice to be able to get out and glam up at the end of it.”

The culinary student was born in Middlesex Hospital and opted to represent the borough when she travels to France for the finals on November 18 to 23.

Contestants come from all over Europe and will compete in various rounds including a Disney-themed costume, for which Saffron plans to dress as Tarzan, and a talent round, at which she plans to sing.

Saffron, who wants to be a pastry chef, said: “I love it. You gain friendships and it gives you a lot of confidence. I’m really looking forward to it.”