A HIGH-FLYING student with a passion for animals is in the running to win the Miss England title.
And Chantelle Lindsay, who turned 19 on Wednesday last week, has more strings to her bow than just good looks.
She has won an award for her animal rights work, can speak fluent Spanish, and has had poems published in an anthology of verse.
In addition Chantelle, who lives in Whyteleafe Hill, Whyteleafe, achieved A grades in her Latin, French and Spanish GCSEs.
She qualified for May's semi-final of the competition after being selected by a panel of judges in a photographic competition.
Chantelle, who works part-time as an assistant at a canine hydrotherapy pool in Coulsdon, attended St Francis Primary School in Caterham.
Since then she has been educated at Coloma Convent Girls' School in Shirley and the Oasis Academy in Coulsdon.
She intends to study biology at the University of Wolverhampton, starting in September.
Chantelle was awarded a certificate from Croydon Council for her school's work in raising awareness of animal rights. She said: "I have given talks about animal welfare at school assemblies, and held cake sales for animal charities.
"I hope to go on to a career in wildlife conservation."
Chantelle, who has a rabbit called Alabama, added: "I have always wanted to model. Even if it doesn't become a career, I would gladly have it as a hobby.
"Winning Miss England would enable me to become a recognised person within my community and help me to inspire young girls like myself to try everything they can, while they can.
"And just competing would boost my self-confidence."
Chantelle has already won a day at a beauty pageant training school, an A4 print for her portfolio from the Fresh Academy and monthly spray tans for a year from Montana Tan, worth £300.
The Miss England semi-final will be held on May 25, with the national final the following month.
Miss England Director Angie Beasley said: "Chantelle is a real natural beauty and, standing at 5'9" tall, she has real model potential.
"It is important for a Miss England candidate to have career ambitions and dreams.
"Chantelle seems like she would like to use her beauty for positive change."
The eventual Miss England winner will win prizes worth £30,000, including a luxury holiday to Mauritius, and a place in the Miss World competition in September.
