A FORMER Kidderminster carnival queen has won the chance of becoming the face of Miss England after winning her first major beauty competition.

Nineteen-year-old Luce Norris, whose ambition is to become a TV presenter, clinched the Miss Northampton title after wowing the judges last week.

It was her first big contest and wins her a place in the Miss England finals next year, as well as a contract with a London modelling agency.

"I'm really excited to have won," said Luce, who passed three A-Levels at Hagley RC High School, before pursuing her career. She won the Miss Kidderminster title in 2001.

A four-month contract doing promotional work in Cyprus meant she missed the Birmingham heats, so entered Miss Northampton instead.

"You don't have to live in the town where you enter but I didn't know what to expect going to Northampton," she added.

Luce has not been short of work since finishing school, with assignments including a part in the film, Popcorn, starring Jack Ryder and Sophie Anderton, in which she plays a "gorgeous girl" in the former EastEnders star's fantasy.

The low-budget British film is expected to be screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival next year.

Luce also has a modelling contract with the MCM motorcycle magazine and has recently made a commercial for New Magazine.