Beauty and brains proved a winning combination for three young women who have beaten off 4,000 contestants to reach the final of Miss Black Britain.
Deneice Forbes, 22, of Henry Dickens Court in St Ann's Road, Notting Hill, Crystal Sinclair (pictured), 20, of Glazbury Road, West Kensington, and Carol Chukwuemeaa, 20, who lives off Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale, have reached the last 30 of the beauty crown comp.
The women were interviewed by organisers and had to show off their bikini-clad figures to reach the final.
Ms Forbes, a receptionist who has lived in Henry Dickens Court all her life, said: "I'm proud of myself for getting this far. The judges are looking for an overall package, it's not just a beauty contest."
She believes she would be a good role model for young black people, adding: "I want to make a difference to the other young people living in my area.
Fellow contestant and Westminster university cheerleading captain Crystal has six sisters and two brothers. Her cousin Sapphire entered her, and Crystal said she is delighted to have reached the finals.
"My mum was really excited that I got through and she really believes I can win," she said. "We had to model in bikinis to get through to the finals, which I didn't mind because I'm quite an extroverted person."
The final, which will involve a beauty parade and a stage interview, will be held on November 22 in Leicester Square Theatre, West End. For more information visit www.missblackbritain.co.uk
IS IT RIGHT TO MAKE CONTESTANTS FOR MISS BLACK BRITAIN POSE IN BIKINIS? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IN THE BOX BELOW
