A Potters Bar girl has made it through to the final of Miss Great Britain 2007.

Hollie Bailey, 20, of Billy Lows Lane, battled through a series of regional heats before last week qualifying for the final in London on May 21.

Competitors are encouraged to raise money for a chosen charity. Hollie said her choice, Cancer Research UK, was close to her heart as her brother was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid last year.

She said: "I want to do everything I can to help research the disease.

"The treatment and attention my brother received was fantastic and I would like this to continue."

She is training hard in anticipation of the Race for Life, in Hemel Hempstead, on May 13. The 5km event is the UK's biggest women-only fundraising event and all proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.

She said: "I have been doing lots of walking and jogging, even taking my dog Honey out for a jog. She's enjoying it too."

Hollie is pursuing a diploma in media and theatrical make-up artistry with photography at North Herts College.

She has been accepted for a degree in fashion styling with make-up and hair design at the University of Southampton where she will begin in September.

While a career in fashion beckons, Hollie said she would do more charity work.

She said: "The winner of the competition will be able to use their profile to make an impact on someone's life. If I win I feel I could work more effectively with charities. I really enjoy it."

This year's finalists will look to avoid the bad press the competition received last year after its 2006 winner, Danielle Lloyd, was stripped of her title for dating one of the judges, footballer Teddy Sheringham, before winning. Miss Great Britain is not affiliated with the Miss England or Miss World competitions.

The final will take place at Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park Lane.