AN ASPIRING model is celebrating after she secured third place in a prestigious beauty pageant.

Dani Brant, 22, of Beadel Close, Witham, claimed the prize during the final of the Miss Essex contest in Southend earlier this month.

Miss Brant was up against 12 other girls on the day and also claimed the best in fashion-wear title.

Despite missing out on first place, she says she is delighted to have claimed third place.

She said: “It was a really busy day because it was non-stop with rehearsals.

“We had to learn a dance routine in less than an hour. I certainly learned a lot but it was all such good fun.

“I was really nervous before it but excited at the same time because I always have such a laugh when I’m doing competitions and enjoy meeting other girls.

“I’m over the moon with how I did.”

Miss Brant, who is a support worker for Total Community Care, says her success in Miss Essex is just the start of her modelling career and she has already set her sights on winning next month’s Miss Swimsuit UK final.

She added: “Coming third has given me so many more opportunities. I’ve got a few photoshoots lined up and I now have a great chance to build up my modelling career.”