A Norbury care home deputy manager outshone 40 regional beauties to reach the final 15 in the Miss England 2009 competition.
Uma Dhir, who was crowned Miss Surrey in June, despite never having modelled before, was placed in the top 15 of the competition which consisted of 55 regional heat winners.
The title of Miss England was given to Rachel Christie, niece of Linford Christie the champion Olympic athlete.
Uma, 23, was the only Asian representative qualifying for the final 15 line-up at the Miss England final on June 20.
The Miss England candidates were judged across eight categories, including an environmentally friendly catwalk and a talent contest in which the Surrey beauty was placed second.
Uma, who hopes the contest will help launch her acting career, impressed judges with a performance of an environmental monologue.
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