SHE is one inch short of being six foot tall, has a passion for acting and knows a thing or two about the way our minds work.

And today she walks even taller than usual after being crowned Miss Worcester 2007.

Jodi Edwards, who is only 18, is busy preparing for her A-level exams in psychology, sociology and theatre studies at Droitwich Spa High School in Briar Mill.

But she took time out of her revision to convince a panel of judges she can represent the city on a nationwide stage.

Despite a natural confidence and intelligence that defies her age, she admitted to having "no expectations" when going into Miss Worcester.

"I just entered for the experience, and didn't know how big it was," she said. "I didn't think I was going to win and had no expectations of going so far, so I'm really happy.

"It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I doesn't feel as though it's sunk in."

She has no brothers or sisters and lives with her mum, 54-year-old Janet Edwards, in Creswell Close, Fernill Heath.

"After the exams, I'm a free girl," said Miss Edwards. "I haven't got a career in mind yet so I haven't applied for university this year - I might take up a job for a year to save up some money.

"I really like acting, which I do through my theatre studies, and started a night course in photography last year for a few weeks - I've still got a scrapbook of some pictures I have taken, so there are options for me."

A 5ft 11in without her high heels on, Miss Edwards was literally head and shoulders above some of the other contestants.

She said: "I like being tall. But because I am so close to being six foot tall, I want to grow another inch. Maybe I'll get there."