BURNHAM'S very own Miss England finalist needs your help before the big competition next week.

Emily Sanders, 22, who holds the title for Miss Somerset, is due to compete in the last stage of the competition at Ricoh Arena in Coventry on August 13 and 14.

As part of her campaign, Emily, a history teacher, has been working hard with various charities in the local community.

She is a trustee of In Charley’s Memory, a non-profit mental health organisation, which supports young adults dealing with mental health illnesses and an ambassador for Sensational Kids Somerset, which is a support group for children with additional needs.

As well as this, the Burnham beauty has been fund-raising for Beauty With A Purpose, Miss England’s chosen charity, benefitting sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Emily said: “Supporting local and national charities has been a big part of my Miss England campaign but I’d be doing this anyway as it’s always been something I’m really passionate about.

"I’ve recently become involved with Think Amy, which promotes road safety in local schools following the tragic death of 13 year old Amy Hofmeister in Taunton.

"I’m hoping success in Miss England will give me a wider platform to help raise awareness and further the aims of Think Amy, Sensational Kids Somerset and In Charley’s Memory”.

Emily recently abseiled 400ft down Avon Gorge for her chosen charities and organised a Sensational Kids Siblings day in partnership with Wall Eden Farm.

She also attended a collection and bag packing event at Tesco for of In Charley's Memory and feels very grateful for all the help she has received.

We are so lucky that our local branch of the National Citizenship Service, a programme that encourages young people to get involved in their community, have chosen In Charley's Memory as their charity," Emily said.

"We were also supported by Lloyds TSB Burnham branch in our collecting.

"We are yet to have a total and I have had recent sponsors from Fairview Taxis, Rob the Boilerman and Rookery Manor."

With the finals just around the corner, Emily is urging everyone to get behind her and help her bring the Miss England crown back to the West Country.

Emily said: “I’ll be working hard the next few days before the final, and I have a few surprises planned as well.

“I also really want to thank everyone who’s supported me so far, it means a lot, but there’s still time to help.

"I’m currently within the crucial top 15 based on votes so far, but that can change quickly and every vote counts”.

If you’d like to support Emily in her campaign you can vote for her in the popularity round by texting “MISS ENGLAND15” to 63333 (each vote costs 50p plus your standard network rate).