A TEENAGER who has made it to the UK final of the Miss Earth competition has set her sights on winning the global contest.

Charlotte Roberts, 19, is representing the county in the 16th Miss Earth UK finals which will be held in Birmingham in May ahead of the national finals, which are held in Vienna in the autumn.

Miss Roberts, who works as a freelance performer and retail assistant, said she entered the competition in the hope of fulfilling her dream of one day being a beauty queen.

She said: "It's my dream to win the international title of Miss Earth because it's unique in terms of a beauty pageants, as it has a positive message of promoting environmental awareness across the world.

"The country winners share a common interest of a love for the planet.

"Miss Earth brings reality back to our wonderful mother earth with a gorgeous powerful message and being given the opportunity to compete in such a big and prestigious competition at my age of 19 is a fantastic achievement and blessing."

As part of the competition Miss Roberts will need to help promote environmental issues in Oxfordshire, including the three R's - reducing, reusing and recycling.

This will involve leading environmental campaigns, participating in voluntary activities with an environmental theme such as tree planting schemes, and organising awareness raising campaigns and street litter picks.

Miss Roberts, who lives in Bladon near Woodstock, said she was looking forward to working closely with her local community to promote awareness for a clean and healthy environment in Oxfordshire.

She said: "I have gained so much confidence already through being selected to represent Oxfordshire and have the full backing of my family, friends and community who believe beauty queens are a good and effective advocate of worth causes."

Miss Roberts will be supporting two charities as part of her venture, Beauties For A Cause UK and Girls 4 Trees, which was founded by the Miss Earth foundation and the UK Miss Earth finalists to support environmental awareness, animal protection and conservation.

Derek McDonagh, regional managing director at Macdonald Burlington Hotel, where the final will be held, said: "We are delighted to host the final of Miss Earth UK and to celebrate with these goal-oriented and committed individuals, not only in the local area but from across the country too.

"Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is committed to extensive environmental and sustainability initiatives, which is in line with Miss Earth UK’s commitment to playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations."