A SOLDIER from Billericay has made it to the final of a national beauty contest.

Georgie Goodey, 24, of South Green, is a finalist for Miss Essex Great Britain - a beauty pageant which is set to be held on August 11.

Ms Goodey has been a serving soldier in the British Army for the last four years and, in the run up to the final, she is raising money for Combat Stress, a charity which supports the mental health of soldiers and veterans.

She said: “Through my teenage years I was bullied extensively and was moved from one side of Billericay school to the other. I have now been a serving soldier in the British Army for over four years. During the Miss Essex Competition I want to raise awareness and money for Combat Stress to help their work with our soldiers and their mental wellbeing.”

She has raised £80 so far.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Georgie-goodey.