Ella Pleasants, a contestant for Miss Cambridgeshire 2013

KING’S School A-Level student Ella Pleasants could be the next Miss Cambridgeshire after she won a place in the competition.

However the 5ft 2in 16-year-old needs people to vote for her by text if she is to beat other hopefuls to reach the grand final of the contest at The Polo Club, Granary Estates, Newmarket on Saturday, October 20.

Ella said she was “shocked” to get through to the next stage as she “didn’t think anything would come” of her application.

“We now need public votes,” she said. “The more views we get, the more it helps.”

The deadline for votes is October 5.

As well as appealing to the public, Ella and her fellow contestants are also tasked with helping to raise as much money as possible for the charity Beauty With a Purpose, which supports disadvantaged children.

She is currently planning a 10km run around Ely on October 5 to help raise money for the cause.

To vote for Ella, text ‘MISS CAMBS18’ to 63333. To sponsor her fundraising efforts, visit the website http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EllaPleasants