A young woman has been selected to take part in this year's Miss India UK beauty pageant.

Neeshal Ruparelia, 23, of Fuller Road, in Watford, applied to take part in the beauty pageant in March and has made it through to the final which will be held in Manchester this weekend.

Miss Ruparelia recently graduated from The University of Hertfordshire with a media degree and has since set up her own business Nishy Glam and has been taking on clients for make-up, massaging and floristry.

She said: "I am really excited at the moment. It has all been a bit last minute. I just cannot express how excited I am about the final.

"My mum was born in India and it has such a close place to my heart, I want the opportunity to give back, not only to the people in the UK but also in India.

"It is an amazing opportunity for myself to express my gratitude on behalf of my mum and also network with numerous organisations and help spread awareness wherever possible.

"My family have been extremely supportive during this exciting time as well as my colleagues at my part time job at Sainsbury's petrol station."

Despite having her own brand of make-up and massaging, Miss Ruparelia has always dreamt of being in the media industry and she aspires to become a presenter and has to sing on the night of the beauty pageant.

She said: "I have lost my voice due to practising so I am now trying to get as much rest as possible before the competition."

She hopes of winning the Miss India UK title to represent her nationality and heritage. Miss Ruparelia will compete in the beauty pageant finals this Sunday in Victoria House, Manchester.