A TRAVEL agent has her sights set on becoming a world-famous beauty queen after reaching the finals of the Miss Sussex competition.

Emily Cyganik, from Peacehaven, will be entered into the Miss England contest if she wins the regional final and she dreams of eventually being crowned Miss World one day.

The 21-year-old travel agent assistant manager is supporting two charities as part of the competition: Beauty With a Purpose and Cancer Research UK.

She said: “I have never competed before.

“It would mean the world to me to win Miss Sussex and to represent the Brighton area in the Miss England competition if I am successful.

“Miss World seems very far away at the moment but with the support of the community and friends and family who knows what is possible.

“Beauty With A Purpose is a charity associated with Miss World and it helps children worldwide with funding and projects.

“This charity has been running alongside the pageant since 1972. I also chose Cancer Research as it is a charity that is close to my heart and people can relate to.

“Everyone knows someone who has fought cancer or has lost someone to cancer – it affects everybody.”

She has planned a sponsored ten-mile walk on Sunday, May 17, from the White Cliffs Café in Saltdean to the Carats Café in Southwick and will be supported by a team of friends.

She added: “I'm really excited about doing the sponsored walk with everyone along the coast.

“It will be fun and knowing that we are doing it for two great causes will motivate everyone.

“The only aspect I am nervous about is the British weather working in our favour.”

She is also looking for a business to sponsor her during the contest.

• To donate visit justgiving.com/emilycancerresearch.