Pretty Sharon McLaughlin (22) entered the competition on the internet by uploading a few photos and filling in an application. She won through to the finals after impressing judges at the regional heat in Glasgow.

The full-time model will now travel down to London on the weekend Saturday, May 3, to compete in the grand final where she will be judged in four categories — evening wear, swimwear, little black dress and interview. If she wins she will represent the UK at Donald Trump's Miss Universe contest in the Far East this summer.

Sharon, who stays in Claremont Drive, said: "I am really nervous about the final but everyone is rooting for me so that has given me the confidence I needed."

Winning the contest will also mean that the 5ft 6ins beauty has the chance to not only win a contract with Vibe Models but she will also take part in a series of ambassadorial overseas visits to Australia, Mongolia and Lapland with the children's cancer charity The Joshua Foundation.

She said: "If I won the competition and I was representing the UK, I would also be representing Scotland.

"The most important aspect of the contest is doing charity work. I am hoping to arrange a number of fundraisers for The Joshua Foundation – and the best part is that any money I raise will go back into organisations that the charity has links with in Scotland such as Yorkhill."

Sharon, who is currently single, even shuns top models such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell as her role model in favour of someone closer to home – her mum Elaine, who will travel down to the final with her.

She said: "My mum is my main role model and I am just so thankful for who she brought me up to be.

"I think the modelling industry is tough enough and I thank her for helping me with my confidence."