A PRISON helper is hoping to be crowned the next Miss England.

Holly Gildert, 18, has never entered a beauty pageant before but hopes that it will boost her confidence.

Holly, who lives in Breightmet, said: “I’ve always enjoyed watching programmes like Britain’s Next Top Model.

“One day, I was just browsing the internet and I saw the Miss England site, so I thought why not enter.”

She was selected as one of the top 23 and now hopes the people of Bolton will vote her into the Miss England semi-final in June 2019.

Holly said her family and friends are over the moon that she has already got through to the second heat of the competition.

“I’m doing it to boost my confidence and enable me to help others,” said the St Catherine’s Academy student who is studying health and social care, and science.

Describing herself as “a family person, who enjoys baking and exercising”, Holly has already proved herself as a community-minded young lady.

“I’ve volunteered at care homes, serving breakfasts and sitting spending time with the elderly residents, I’ve also volunteered at primary schools by listening to children read and reading to them.”

Surprisingly, she has also spent time in prison - helping the medical team on a work experience placement.

To get through to the next heat, Holly also needs to fundraise for the Miss England Beauty With a Purpose campaign, which helps disadvantaged children.

“I’ll be holding bake sales at college and organising other fundraisers,” she explained.

If she goes on to win the Miss England title, Holly could ultimately win the Miss World crown, which comes with a $100k prize.

To vote for Holly, text MISSPHOTO10 to 63333. Texts cost 50 pence.