Bradford's hopeful for the Miss England crown is preparing to launch her acting career after failing to clinch the national title.

Miss Bradford, Laura Carter, joined more than 70 rivals for two days in Leicester where hopefuls tried to woo judges to win the Miss England 2006 title.

The 20-year-old failed to make the final cut but said she is not disheartened.

"It was the most amazing experience," said Laura, of Beck Road, Micklethwaite, Bingley.

"It's something you don't understand unless you have done it. It was really good fun. I am extremely grateful for people's support. I wanted to make people in Bradford proud by going as far as I possibly could in the competition.

"I think if I was offered any modelling jobs I would do them but I don't think I will be entering any more pageants."

Contestants spent the first day in a talent show, in which Laura performed Jessica Simpson's version of These Boots Are Made For Walking wearing denim shorts, shirt, cowboy hat and boots.

She failed to win enough text votes to get through to the next round, which saw 20-year-old Eleanor Glynn crowned Miss England and win a place in the Miss World finals in Poland in September.

With a film already in the can before the Miss England finals, Laura is now busy focusing on her acting career.

Laura plays the central character in a film, which has the working title Dreams, directed by Yeadon director David Urwin.

It's hoped the film will be premiered at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television next year.

"I play a character called Liz who was raped when she was younger," said Laura.

"The film is about the trials and tribulations she has to go through as an abused child. It's a million miles away from Miss England.

"It's the director's first feature length film and he wanted actors who would be in their first film too. We filmed some scenes at Bradford Grammar School and Rio's nightclub in Bradford. We also filmed some scenes under Leeds Civic Hall where they have the old cells."

Laura was crowned Miss Bradford after entering the contest, held by ModelUK.com at Livingstone's nightclub, Bradford.

Judges quizzed the eight competitors on how they would sell Bradford and rated them during three outfit changes - day wear, club wear and evening wear.

She had been studying drama and media at Huddersfield University.

email: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk