CWMBRAN beauty Rachel Rice is hoping to make it third time lucky in her bid to be crowned Miss Wales.

The 20-year-old model and student is entering the annual beauty pageant for the third year running, and has high hopes of making the top five again.

Rachel, from St Dials, Cwmbran, who has also competed in Miss GB, came fifth in her first Miss Wales in 2002, and third in last year's competition, but has to wait until August to see if her entry for this year's competition is accepted.

"The wait is a bit stressful because I don't know if I'm going to get through," she said. "The event itself is fantastic. I have made so many good friends and it's such a buzz taking part in all the events.

"The Press are there, you have photoshoots, it's amazing. You get treated so well. I don't know if I really want to win because they wouldn't let you enter again!"

Rachel, who studies English literature and drama at Bristol University, plans to just be herself if she makes the finals, being held in Jumping Jacks nightclub, Swansea, on September 9.

"They mark you on your personality and intelligence, as well as your looks, so you have to be a complete package.

"I would prefer to win on personality rather than looks, it's what makes the competition so fun. I would love to win and represent Wales on the world stage. That would be amazing."