MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Iraq veteran will represent England in Miss World final in South Africa

L/Cpl says she wants to join the war effort in Afghanistan

A soldier who has served in Iraq has been officially crowned Miss England after the original winner relinquished the title last year to clear her name.

L/Cpl Katrina Hodge, 22, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was drafted in when Rachel Christie stepped down following her arrest over an alleged nightclub brawl.

L/Cpl Hodge said she wants to use her title to promote the British Army and military charities. She was presented with her crown at the Manor House Hotel in Guildford, Surrey.

The soldier said she hoped to join the war effort in Afghanistan when she steps down as Miss England in July.

She was first runner-up in the 2009 national contest but was promoted after Ms Christie, athlete Linford Christie's niece, gave up her crown to clear her name following her arrest in Manchester in November.

L/Cpl Hodge was given leave from her duties as a soldier in the British Army to represent England in the Miss World final in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 12 December. The international title was won by Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar.