Victoria Rich, who lives in the Blackdown Hills, is taking part in the national final of the Miss British Isles 2020/21 model competition on Friday.

Victoria – Miss Somerset 2020/21 – has just completed a four-year apprenticeship in retail management with Waitrose and Partners, Wellington. She gained distinction and has left the store to work as a television and film extra,

But if she wins today her career could go in another direction. The top prizes for Miss British Isles are worth over £10,000 and include photo-shoots in Marbella and Gibraltar, and a modeling and influencer contract. There will be four fashion shoots through the year wearing clothes specially designed for the title-holder.

Previous winners of Miss British Isles organised events have gone on to be signed by top modelling agencies, taken part in major TV shows and even appeared in a Bollywood film.

Victoria is among 50 finalists, from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, each representing their home area. The final, at Chester Racecourse, is to decide seven different titles over four days from tomorrow until Sunday.