Law student Jessica Linley wins Miss England title

A law student from Nottingham faces a showdown with the world's most beautiful women after being crowned Miss England 2010 today.

Jessica Linley, 21, fought off the charms of nearly 60 other English hopefuls at the annual beauty pageant in Birmingham.

The statuesque blonde - who wants to be a solicitor - will now represent her country at the Miss World contest in China next month.

Ms Linley beat Jamie Lee Faulkner, also 21, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who competed as Miss Champneys, into second place.

And 18-year-old model and aspiring actress Amy Jackson, representing Liverpool, came third.

Ms Linley, who is 5ft 11ins, is studying law at Nottingham University, where she is also treasurer of the law society and finance officer for the Athletic Union.

Before last night's final, she said if picked as winner she would take some time off university "so I could give everything I have" at the Miss World contest.

"I want to do the best by everybody and truly make a difference to peoples' lives," the student added.

Judges at the Miss England ceremony included former winner and reality TV star Danielle Lloyd, and Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas.