An Acton student has won a place in the finals of a national beauty contest and is in for a chance of representing the country in a worldwide competition.
Shadi Pararin, of George V Way, Perivale, beat 19 other women in a photographic heat to reach the semi-finals of Miss England. She took the place after a public vote and scrutiny by a panel of experts which included last year's Miss England winner.
The 19-year-old will now be among 80 regional winners tested in other ways, including talent, sports and charity fundraising skills, at Champneys Springs Health Spa, Leicestershire, in June.
The student from Ellen Wilkinson School in Queen's Drive, Acton, who is studying for A-levels in biology, English literature and sociology, said: "I feel ecstatic, I really didn't expect it.
"I've seen the other contestants and they're all beautiful but fingers crossed."
Miss Pararin, who has joined the cadets at her school and takes boxing classes to keep fit, is trusting in her belly dancing skills to to woo the judges in the talent round in June.
She hopes her success so far will inspire others and added: "When I entered a lot of girls from my school were surprised, they hadn't heard of the competition. It's fun, there is a chance to win prizes and you get to meet girls from other areas.
"And I'm really pleased that there is a chance to raise money for the competition's chosen charity, The Children's Variety Club, which helps improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children.
"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone from Ellen Wilkinson School, The Barbara Speake Stage School in East Acton and the Rustam Iranian School in Finchley which I attend on Saturdays. Their help and support has really helped me get this far."
