A woman crowned both social media and beauty pageant queen is now in the finals of a national competition.

Anusha Sareen, from Edgware, was given the Miss Middlesex title on May 23 and Social Media Queen on July 3.

She now hopes to claim the Miss England crown in September.

The 26-year-old said: “Miss England is an organisation that accepts women of all sizes, heights, backgrounds, and gives us the power to induce change within our communities.

“Inspire youths, peers, and elders into giving back to society, and encouraging women to showcase their multitude of talents – from intelligence to poise, to charitable project planning and much more.

“I am blessed to be associated with such an impactful organisation.”

In the run-up to the competition, Anusha took part in several projects in her community.

This includes raising money for Beauty with Purpose, the official charity of Miss World, and setting up a pen pal system for care homes to help elderly with loneliness.

Bullied because of her race, Anusha says that her experiences made her the contender she is today.

She said: “From a young age, I was affected by children in schools due to my looks, I have hair on my skin that is both darker and looks thicker than many other ethnicities.

“Growing up I was programmed into being ashamed or embarrassed about my body.

“But now I am proud of my mind, my body and my soul – and no one can ever take that away from me again.

“I hope to instil this strength into a new generation, without them having to suffer the way I did and the way many children still are.”

The first stage of the finals will be held this Thursday and Friday at the Birmingham Resorts World – winners are selected for Miss Sportswoman, Miss Publicity, Miss Beautiful Hair and Miss Top Model.

The second stage will be held at the Kelham Hall and Country Parks Estate in Nottinghamshire on September 3 and 4.

If you would like to support Anusha Sareen for the finals, please follow her at @AnushaSareen and text “MISS ENGLAND07” to “63333” to help her in the public and social media votes.