BEAUTY queen, Angharad James of Maeyscwmmer, is one of four UK winners going on to the international final of the Miss Earth competition.

The 23-year-old, who became the Wales Miss Earth winner at the UK final in Blackpool, will represent her country at the international finals in December.

Miss James, who is a law student, said:"I had a fantastic day at the Miss Earth finals. I am over the moon to have been chosen as Wales representative. I really want to make my country proud at the finals in December."

Miss Earth is the only beauty competition designed to raise awareness of Green issues, for a clean, natural and healthy environment. The delegates participate in voluntary activities with environmental programmes such as beach clean-ups, street litter pick-ups, school tours, tree planting activities and awareness campaigns.

The Miss Earth winner is the spokeswoman for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other environmental organisations.

Miss James said: "I am really excited to be involved in such a great cause and cannot wait for what's to come. I am a very hardworking, passionate person, I love keeping busy and I am not afraid of a challenge. I am looking forward to starting fundraising and promoting the green cause."

The winner of Miss Earth will receive a prize package including a trip to the international final Miss EARTH, a collection of Eco Swim beachwear made from recycled material and plastic, a photo shoot, a wardrobe of evening gowns from Swansea-based Stardust Boutique and much more.

The current Miss Earth titleholder is Tereza Fajksová of Czech Republic.