A PADIHAM woman is revving up for success after reaching the final stages of a beauty pageant.

Laura Coulson, who works at Thompson Street car firm Mini Sport, is down to the last 28 of this year’s Top Model UK competition.

And the 25-year-old, of Cardwell Street, has issued a final fundraising plea as she approaches the finish line.

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The former St Augustine’s RC High School student has her eyes set on winning the Public Vote Award for Charity.

She has already raised almost £1,150 for Children with Cancer UK ahead of Saturday’s final.

Miss Coulson, who will be accompanied to the gala ceremony at the Hilton London Metropole by her boyfriend Ashley Ingham, has received generous sponsorship from Mini Sport, where she works in the accounts office.

She said: “I entered another modelling competition in 2011 but it was nothing compared to the scale of this. This is a lot bigger.

“The winner gets a 12-month modelling contract but for me I just want to raise as much money for charity as I can.

“There were rehearsals in London two weeks ago and I got through. My boyfriend and three of my girlfriends are coming down with me so we’ll make a weekend out of it.”

Miss Coulson, who also attended St John the Baptist RC Primary School, Padiham, will compete in the over-25s category, with other finalists battling it out in the editorial, commercial, men’s and natural beauty sections.

She said: “For the final you have to do three different goes on the catwalk. Two of those will be in outfits by professional designers and the third one is self-styled.

“I’m nervous and excited because I have never done anything like this before. There are lots of different emotions but hopefully I will do myself proud and the charity will benefit.

“I’m really grateful to Mini Sport and everyone who has supported me.”

To vote for Miss Coulson and donate to charity, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lauracoulson.