BROMSGROVE beauty Amy Jones will represent Birmingham in the Miss England finals, after being crowned Miss Birmingham at the weekend.

The 21-year-old, who works in a nursery while studying beauty therapy, beat 25 other finalists to the Miss Birmingham 2018 title at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre on Saturday.

Amy, who was also named Miss Intellect, said: "I was really shocked when they announced I'd won the overall competition - I didn't expect it at all.

"This is what I've wanted for so long and it's my 3rd year competing, so to finally achieve it makes me feel completely over the moon."

The former South Bromsgrove High School student was tasked with compiling a portfolio of her charity work and publicity ahead of Saturday's final, when she was interviewed by a panel of judges before competing in the pageant.

As part of her charitable work, Amy has raised money for homeless charity Crisis, and plans to use her newly-achieved title to promote local charities and small businesses.

She said: "Homeless is a really big issue for me, which is why I've focused on raising awareness over the last few years.

"I want to use my title to get more involved in helping homeless charities, and also to be a really positive ambassador for the city.

"I'd like to be a relatable role model and encourage young people in and around Birmingham to have more confidence in themselves."

Ahead of the Miss England finals this summer, Amy is organising a fundraising ball in aid of the Miss World charity for disadvantaged children Beauty with a Purpose.