A TAVISTOCK beauty has thanked the local community for helping her become an official Miss Swimsuit UK finalist.

Lauren Gregory, 21, was entered as a wild card earlier this month for the regional heat of the competition.

The former Horrabridge Primary School pupil and Tavistock College student is now one of six in the final of the South West heat, for the fourth year of Miss Swimsuit UK. As well as claiming the UK crown, the new Miss Swimsuit UK will go on to represent the country at the Miss Swimsuit USA International in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in November. The global competition attracts the best swimwear models and talent scouts from across the globe, with 70 contestants to win the worldwide title.

Lauren said: ‘Thank you so much to every single person who voted for me and helped me win the wild card competition, which means I am officially a Miss Swimsuit UK finalist.

‘I am so grateful for the amount of love and support.’

The grand final will take place on October 26 and will be judged by a professional panel and celebrities.