A dancer from Woodside Park is hoping a public vote will help her reach the final of Miss England in June.

Caterina Spano, 22, of Chiddingfold, has reached the final 20 in the fourth heat of this year's Miss Photographic, which is the equivalent of the Miss England regional heats.

The winner will be given a prize package worth £500 and will gain a place in the Miss England final.

Miss Spano, a dancer, graduated from a degree in performing arts at the Urdang Academy, Covent Garden, in July 2005. She said: "I've never aspired to be Miss England, but when you're in this business you just go for everything. I'm going to go with the flow and see what happens. It's a great opportunity but I'm not expecting too much." Miss Spano's roots are in Italy, where her grandparents were born. She said: "We are quite a traditional Italian family. We're very close, and we go to Italy every year."

Miss Spano, who attended St Vincent's RC Primary School in The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, and Loreto RC Girls' School, St Albans, now works part-time in a shoe shop, and spends the rest of the time auditioning for musical theatre and music videos. Her ambition is to perform in West End shows, singing and acting as well as dancing.

To vote for Miss Spano, text Caterina Spano' to 84205, or call 0901 656 1599 and enter Miss Spano's ID number, which is 04. All votes cost 60p plus standard network charge.

mcraig@london.newsquest.co.uk