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Katrina Hodge was crowned Miss England over a decade ago while she was a serving Army soldier - now she wants to make a triumphant return to the world of beauty pageantsEx-soldier Katrina Hodge is shooting for glory in a beauty pageant again – more than a decade after being crowned Miss England. The mum of two, now 33, earned the nickname Combat Barbie when she won the title in 2009 while still serving in the Army. But she now wants to return in the Ms Great Britain contest to boost her own confidence and encourage body positivity in over-30s....

EXCLUSIVE  Sex swap teenager to enter Miss England contest   BY JENNA SLOAN Published: 14 Jan 2012   A TEENAGE transsexual has become the first sex swap patient to enter the Miss England beauty pageant. Jackie Green became the UK's youngest transsexual after an op in Thailand on her 16th birthday. The 18-year-old — who was born Jack but lived as a girl since age ten — was asked to enter by modelling scouts who had no idea of her history. The aspiring model, from Leeds, hopes to use the opportunity to speak out about bullying and transgender issues....

While beauty pageant contestants are often derided as dizzy bimbos, one girl is turning the myth on its head - having been crowned the world's smartest beauty queen. Katie Farr is the full package: an honours graduate, a champion kick-boxer, a model and actress, an aid worker and now officially World Miss University. The 24-year-old beat 40 other brainy beauties to the title, having dazzled the judges with her high intellect and high-kicking martial arts. Katie, from Leeds, has an IQ of 140 and is the first ever contestant from the UK to take home the crown since the competition...

The swimsuit round of the Miss England competition has been given its marching orders after 50 years at the encouragement of last year's winner, soldier Katrina Hodge. 2009's Miss England winner. soldier Katrina Hodge. Photo: PA Instead, participants will take part in a sports challenge overseen by Lance Corporal Hodge. (edit)   Miss England national organiser Angie Beasley said the change showed that Miss England was constantly evolving as a competition. “Every year the girls take part in the various rounds of Miss England – we have a talent, charity, eco and now the sports round, which will replace the...

Victory for Linford Christie's niece as she becomes first black Miss England By DAILY MAIL REPORTER 21st July 2009 Linford Christie's niece was crowned the first black Miss England in the competition's history today. [Pic in URL] Rachel Christie, 20, who is also on course to appear at the London 2012 Olympics, chased down the competition to claim the prestigious prize at the event in central London. The Londoner who specialises in the heptathlon, was one of the bookies' favourites to win the competition. Rachel Christie, who was named as the winner of Miss England 2009 at the Metropole Hilton...

Slender Georgia Horsley, who has been crowned Miss England, has been told to pile on the pounds if she wants to win the world title. The size eight florist who tips the scales at nine stone has the figure most women would die for - but the organisers of the Miss World competition are looking for a contestant with more curves to win this year. Georgia is now on a high fat diet to help her plump up in time for the beauty pageant. The blonde 20-year-old, from Malton, North Yorks, is hoping she will pile on the pounds...

The country's first Muslim Miss England has slammed Prime Minister Tony Blair, accusing him of fuelling hysteria over terrorism and Islam. Hammasa Kohistani, 19, said government statements since last year's 7 July attacks had created a 'negative image' of Muslims. Ms Kohistani represented England at the Miss World finals in China in December. 'Tony Blair addressed Muslims in particular, telling them that they need to sort out the problem within,' she said. 'That was a huge stereotype of the Islamic community.' She added: 'Even the more moderate Muslims have been stereotyped negatively and feel they have to take actions to...

Muslim beauty wins title   What a jewel ... the new Miss England, Hammasa Kohistani     By GUY PATRICK STUNNING Hammasa Kohistani hit back at critics after becoming the first Muslim to be crowned Miss England. The Uzbekistan-born beauty overcame a storm of controversy to win the title. Islamic leaders argued her participation was “unlawful”. Some said all four Muslim entrants — including Iraq-born Sarah Mendly, 23, — should withdraw as it was against the teachings of the Koran to show flesh. Student Hammasa, 18, wore a sarong over her white bikini as she beat 40 other girls on Saturday....