A BRADFORD beauty queen is hoping she can be a "role model" to other women after she was crowned Miss Commonwealth Africa last month.

Osakwe Nonyelum Esther, 35, wants to use her platform to continue supporting communities - as she has been doing for over 15 years - and to work with more "hospitals, orphanages and grassroots charities".

Esther, who was presented with the crown on 21 August, also wants to remind people that beauty is "not skin deep" and is about more than just image.

Originally from Nigeria, Esther lived in Colchester and Milton Keynes before making Bradford her home six years ago.

Now, the part-time customer care agent and full-time mum to three children wants to help make a difference in Bradford and beyond.

"This crown comes with responsibilities, so I want to do positive things and implement reforms", said Esther, who lives in Little Germany.

"I want to amplify people's voices - that's something I'm passionate about.

"The last time I entered a pageant, in 2014, I was runner-up, but since then I sort of hung up my boots. But the Miss Commonwealth CEO, Dr Shola Fawehinmi, approached me, and asked if I wanted to enter and try out - and I thought 'what have I got to lose?'

"He said some African girls want to change their skin tones due to mindset issues. Being beautiful shouldn't be based on what you look like on the outside, but maybe that does that matter too, unfortunately, because of the world we live in.

"I might not have white skin and blonde hair, I might not be slim, but I'm attractive, and I want to use my platform to help other women believe in themselves too. You might not have Kim Kardashian's figure, or Halle Berry's cheekbones, but that doesn't matter. Beauty is your heart, your kindness and your thoughts."

Esther first came to the UK as a single mother, wanting a "better life" for her and her family, and now "feels at home" in Bradford.

"I love Bradford, people can be themselves here. We have so many amazing churches, mosques and temples too, I love that it's multi-cultural. It's also a City of Sanctuary, welcoming people escaping turbulence, which is also amazing", she said.

Esther recently received an unconditional offer to do a masters in dance movement psychotherapy at the University of Derby, and said she is "buzzing" for the future.

"After all these years of hard work, things are coming to me. I'm so excited", she said.

"I would tell others to take things step-by-step - soon you’ll be amazed at what you've accomplished. You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you!"