A BRIGHTON beauty is out to prove that brains and not just looks can help her become Miss Universe.

Former Hove Park schoolgirl Stephanie Prior is currently Miss Sussex and is down to the last 40 to represent Great Britain.

She hopes her degree in anthropology will prove the key to her success.

“The other girls are not always as clever so I’m hoping it will work to my advantage,” she said.

“Beauty pageants have quite a negative perception with the public if girls do not come across as the brightest but there are girls involved who study and they are not complete airheads.”

The 25-year-old will take to the stage in a bikini, cocktail dress and in evening wear as well as being interviewed by judges at Miss Universe Great Britain 2015 at the three-day event from June 27.

Stephanie currently lives in Preston Park and works in sales and marketing.

She grew up in Littlehampton and attended Connaught and Elm Grove schools before moving to Brighton.

After Hove Park she went to City College and studied politics before getting her degree at Goldsmiths in London.

She gained the Miss Sussex title earlier this year and though she did not become Miss England, she has qualified for Miss Universe, a separate competition run by bouffant business billionaire Donald Trump.

She said: “I am so honoured to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year and will be doing all that I can in the next few months to prepare.”

In becoming Miss Sussex Stephanie also became an ambassador for the Dame Vera Lynne Trust charity for children with cerebral palsy.

Among her fundraising activities have been a fire walk and other sponsored walks.

The 2013 Miss Universe Great Britain winner Amy Willerton went on to appear on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! On television.

“I would take any opportunities that came my way and would love to be on television,” Stephanie added.

A public vote will also go towards deciding the winner.

Readers can text GB stephanie to 64343 but votes cost £1 plus a standard newtork charge.