A GILSTEAD woman is through to the semi-finals of the Miss British Isles Elegance competition.

Kate Hames, 36, a part-time actor and singer who grew up in Thornton and Eastburn and has lived in Ingrow, said: "It's fabulous that I'm in the semi-finals. I'm really excited.

"I've never done anything more like it, but I'll try anything once."

Kate, a former pupil at Thornton Grammar and South Craven School, will represent the North in the competition and is one of six semi-finalists.

Kate applied for the competition through her talent agency Star Now.

She has done extras work in films and has performed at pantomimes at the The Mart Theatre in Skipton for the past three years.

The final will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester on Sunday, September 27.