A soldier has been given leave from her duties to represent England in the Miss World competition.
L/Cpl Katrina Hodge, 21, from Tunbridge Wells, will take over from the previous Miss England who stepped down after her arrest over an alleged nightclub brawl.
Organisers of Miss England said 21-year-old Rachel Christie wanted to concentrate on clearing her name.
Miss Hodge, nicknamed Combat Barbie after being commended for bravery in Iraq, will take on beauty queen duties.
Impressed with the British Army for allowing L/Cpl Hodge to have the time away from her duties in the military to fulfull her other duties as Miss England. Extremely proud of L/Cpl Hodge, not only for her bravery, but for the fact that she did not "ride the beauty train" She could have done other things because of her looks, instead, she chose to serve her country!! Awesome!! My prayers are with you L/Cpl Hodge.
It is a little bitter sweet though. I am saddened to hear of Miss Christie's unfortunate incident. Being crowned the first black Miss England was a major accomplishment. I hope that things work out for Miss Christie.