Hemel’s own beauty queen April is through to Miss GB final

April Banbury, of Nash Mills, Hemel Hempstead, took time away from the catwalk to focus on other projects including her fashion label.

She was also rocked by her grandmother’s unexpected death earlier this year and is taking part in the beauty contest in memory of Dorothy who raised her from the age of eight.

The 25 year old, who competed for the affections of Welsh rugby player Gavin Henson in TV show The Batchelor UK back in 2011, made it through to the pageant final through a wild card vote.

She had come second in the Miss London contest and won the Miss Publicity category, which meant she had not qualified for the final round to compete for the title of Miss Great Britain.

But April, who was crowned Miss Hertfordshire Galaxy three years ago, was given a second chance through the wild card vote and will go head to head with 44 other pretty hopefuls.

The winner of the wild card was chosen by a panel of judges after the girls were asked to write a mini statement explaining why they want to continue to be a part of the competition and what they can offer.

April said: “Making it into the Miss Great Britain finals felt like I’d been given a second chance having come so close in the London heat. I genuinely am so honoured to be a part of such a prestigious competition.

“I’m looking forward to representing my county and being involved in the community.”

The keen charity supporter was wearing a dress made by her own hand and several of her handmade gowns have been worn by television stars including Kierston Wareing, who played Kirsty Branning in EastEnders and Gemma Oaten, better known as Rachel Breckle in Emmerdale.

To vote for April text MISSGB 26 TO 64343 before 8pm on Thursday, November 13. Texts cost £1 plus the standard network rate.

The final will be held in Leicester on November 14.