A BEAUTY queen came seventh out of 10,000 contestants in her bid to become Miss England 2017.

Miss Farnworth and Kearsley Christina Cunningham made the top 20 at the recent event in Birmingham but did not make the top three.

But she found out just days later that she had come seventh out of the 50 finalists and the 10,000 other people who had gone out at previous stages of the competition earlier in the year.

The 25-year-old from Kearsley said: "I was ecstatic when I found out I came seventh. I was not prepared at all.

"I was in the final last year and I came ninth so I am improving.

"It was unbelievable, we had such a good time and the staff at Resort World in Birmingham were really, really lovely. I have not stopped smiling since.

"It was really quite a shock but I was very proud of myself because I had really worked hard.

"It was incredible and there were so many amazing ladies who could have easily been in the top 20."

Miss Cunningham, who works at David Lloyd gym and Bolton Wanderers, wished to thank her family, friends and sponsors HomeXperts in Farnworth.

Westhoughton's Lucy Physick, currently Miss North West, also competed in the final.

She said she was 'disappointed' not to make the top 20 but said she 'thoroughly enjoyed' the experience.

The 24-year-old said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the three days we were there in Birmingham. It was quite relaxed, which was nice, and the staff at Resort World treated us absolutely brilliantly.

"Even though i didn't place or win any titles, I really enjoyed myself and it was just a really exciting thing to experience.

"I do feel a bit disappointed after all the hard work I put in.

"But it is best to put your all into something and I feel like I did my best. But I would have not been able to have done it without the love and support from my family, friends and the people throughout the North West. I can not thank everyone enough."

The Miss England title went to Miss Hope Valley Stephanie Hill.