A young woman from Hook is combining beauty and bravery today (Sunday) by taking part in a charity skydive and competing in the final of the Miss Universe Great Britain competition 2014.

Amy Townsend, 20, will jump out of a plane today, June 1 to raise money for Strongbones, a charity that helps children with bone conditions and is supported by the world-famous beauty pageant.

“The Miss Universe competition has already raised around £25,000 for Strongbones,” said Amy. “I would like to raise some more!”

The final will take place in Cardiff on June 21. This the first time Amy has entered a beauty pageant, but she has modelling experience and has recently had an interview in London with model agency Eyecasting, after being recommended to them by Pembroke-based fashion designer Roseanna Jiggins.

“I wanted to try something new, so I decided to enter Miss Universe,” said Amy. “The final has four rounds, including an interview with the judges and a swimwear and an evening dress section. I’m quite nervous, but I’m really excited as well. There will be 25 other girls competing, so I’ll get to meet some new people. It should be a great experience.”

Amy has been sponsored to compete by Beauty Within, a local beauty salon run by Sophie Mcann.

If she wins in Cardiff, Amy will go through to the international Miss Universe competition, due to be held in Brazil this autumn.

“That would really be amazing!” laughed Amy. “I’ll do my best!”

You can sponsor Amy by visiting justgiving.com/amy-townsend17 or follow her progress on Facebook at ‘Amy Townsend Miss Universe Great Britain finalist 2014’.