A WEST Devon teenager has made it through to the final of a regional beauty competition, where she will compete against other girls from the county to be crowned Miss Devonshire and win a place in the Miss England grand final.

Sophie Murdoch, 17, is appealing to Times readers for their votes to help her to beat off the stiff competition to become Miss Devonshire.

Sophie, who lives in Mary Tavy and studies performing arts at City College Plymouth, said: 'I entered the competition because I had never done anything like this before and I like to give everything a go! I am just so shocked that I have got this far — it seems crazy. I used to be very self-concious about being curvy but now I feel truly comfortable in my own skin, and I would love for all girls to feel like that.'

Sophie loves singing and dancing and said her dream is to one day perform on a west end stage.

All finalists are encouraged to raise money for the 'Beauty with a Purpose' charity, which aims to help local and internation organisations and projects across the globe to help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged and deprived people. Sophie will be holding various charity events in and around Tavistock to help raise funds.

To vote for Sophie, text 'Miss Devon12' to 63333. Texts cost 50p plus the standard network rate.

The Miss Devonshire final will be held on April 25 in Torquay.