IT will be the battle of the catwalk as Lucy Physick and Christina Cunningham go head-to-head when they attempt to be crowned Miss England 2017.

Current Miss North West Lucy, from Westhoughton, and Christina, from Kearsley, who became the first Miss Farnworth and Kearsley in February, are among the 50 finalists at the competition, at Resort World, Birmingham from July 12 to 14.

The pair are close friends and are looking forward to the opportunity to represent their home towns and possibly going on to represent the nation.

Lucy lives in Upper Lees Drive and works as a marketing, social media, corporate social responsibility co-ordinator at Greenhalghs Craft Bakery.

The 24-year-old said: "This will be my third time in the Miss England final and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity once again.

"Each final has brought so many happy memories and new experiences so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year’s Final in Resorts World, Birmingham.

"It’s been an absolute joy. From representing my home town of Bolton back in 2013, to holding the title of Miss Lancashire last year and now being an ambassador for the whole of the North West is just a huge honour.

"I love being a part of our community and helping out wherever I possibly can. Whether that be at a family fun day or raising awareness for a certain charity or organisation - I enjoy every second of it. It’s nice to help out and work with those who, like myself, want to make a difference."

She has previously appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the recent general election and took part in the Great Manchester Run, running her first 10k in aid of Cancer Research UK and in memory of those who were killed in the Manchester Arena bombing.

Christina is a swimming co-ordinator at David Lloyd gym in Bolton and is a member of the Bolton Wanderers' matchday staff.

She became Miss Farnworth and Kearsley in February and has done several charitable initiatives across the area, including her visit to the children's A&E department at Royal Bolton Hospital to give out Easter eggs.

She was also involved in the recent X Factor-style talent show Sing Bolton Sing.

The 25-year-old progressed to the final after competing against 63 others in the semi-final in Newark.

Christina said: "We have had to do lots of things like raising money for charity and being a positive role model in the community.

"The main focus is on the fundraising and supporting your local area. It is not just a beauty pageant now. Times have changed.

"I was very moved when I found out I had won the final. It is not a big area but hopefully, if I am successful, it will help to put Farnworth and Kearsley on the map.

"It is not just down to me though. It is everybody who has helped me along the way and it was amazing that the judges have recognised our hard work.

"I am very excited. I enjoy doing this so much and representing my local area."

The two contestants are currently in the middle of carrying out tasks for the contest, which includes a talent round, charity fundraising and being a positive role model for the community

A public vote has been opened and votes will go towards the judges' decision.

To vote for Lucy text the words MISS ENGLAND31 to 63333 and to vote for Christina, text MISS ENGLAND07.

For more information, go to missengland.info