Miss England Georgia Horsley is urging young women in Oxfordshire to take part in this year's Miss Oxford competition after enjoying "the most amazing time of her life".

Georgia, 21, won Miss England last year, following in the footsteps of Eleanor Glynn, 21, from Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford.

After receiving the Miss England crown in July, Georgia went on to compete in Miss World in Sanya, China, at the end of last year.

Although she didn't win, she told the Oxford Mail that she loved taking part in the competition, spending a month on the island of Hainan.

Georgia, who lives near York, said: "The first time I entered a beauty contest was in 2005. My mum and friends said I could do well, but I didn't think I stood a chance.

"After that everything just fell into place.

"I never dreamed that I would win Miss England but I did and it has been the most amazing thing that has happened to me.

"After I won Miss England it didn't dawn on me that I would be competing in Miss World, but before long I was flying out to China.

"I flew out on October 31 and came back on December 2 so I had a whole month in China, which was fantastic.

"Everyone assumes that these competitions can turn nasty but it wasn't like that at all - it's such a nice competition to be in and I made lots of friends for life."

Georgia's parents are florists and her biggest triumph in Miss World was getting through to the final of the talent section - by demonstrating her flower-arranging skills.

She added: "I flew my special vase out and filled it with lots of orchids and lilies - it was very colourful."

"Now I am constantly being asked to go to press calls as Miss England - it's a full-time job for a year.

"Before I won Miss England I was about to go on a three-year degree course in design, media and make-up and now I'd love to be a TV presenter.

"I would definitely advise girls in Oxfordshire to enter the Miss Oxford Mail competition because you could make lots of new friends, see the world, and it will really help your career prospects.

"But this isn't all about being a pretty face - you also need poise, elegance and a great personality."

Since winning, Georgia has also appeared in Hello! magazine, on BBC2 and has raised awareness for deaf charities around the country.

This year the Oxford Mail has joined forces with the Miss England office to find a young woman to represent Oxford in the next Miss England semi-final, which is being held at Champneys health resort in Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire, on June 16 and 17.

The organisers are looking for local girls who want the chance to compete, and successful entrants will be invited to attend a photo audition at the Oxford Mail next month.

Angie Beasley, Miss England spokesman, said: "Georgia has had a great year so far as Miss England.

"It's great to be joining forces with the Oxford Mail for this year's Miss Oxford competition and I'm sure we will get lots of great entries."