AN EIGHTEEN-year-old from Bournemouth is in the running for the Miss Universe Great Britain crown this weekend.

And while beauty contestants traditionally say they’d like to work with children, Romy Simpkins already is – through her diploma course in early years education at Brockenhurst College.

Romy, from Queens Park, said: “I adore working with children and am passionate about making a difference in their lives.

“My goal eventually is to run my own nursery school, specialising in special needs and behavioural disorders.

“I have had a passion for Shakespeare from a very young age and have performed in many plays.

“I love to travel and hope one day to visit children in disadvantaged countries, where I will endeavour to bring a better quality of life to them.”

Romy was selected for Saturday’s finals in Birmingham after being called to an interview in London.

The final will pick one woman to compete in the US with contestants from around the world.

Romy will be raising money for the Hemraj Goyal Foundation, which supports a variety of good causes in the UK and overseas.

Before going to Brockenhurst College, Romy attended Bourne-mouth Collegiate School.

This year’s Miss Universe GB contest is promoting the message Not In Vain, with an emphasis on helping good causes and empowering young women.

“It’s not just about looks,” said Romy. “It’s also how you present yourself and having confidence.”

Miss Universe began in the US in the 1950s and sees contestants from around 80 countries compete for the crown. Contestants have to be aged 18-27.

The current holder of the Miss Universe Great Britain title is Chloe-Beth Morgan of Cwmbran, Wales.

The winner of the worldwide title spends a year representing the Miss Universe Organisation around the world and has a luxury apartment in New York City during her reign.