Petite Emma has mind on big projects

BEAUTY queen Emma Machin may have been too small to be named Miss England but has her mind on big projects for the future.

The 19-year-old Miss Staffordshire made it through to the semi-final of the national competition and was one of 60 hopefuls from around the country at Champneys health resort in Leicestershire on Monday night.

But the 4ft 11ins beautician from Chesterton – who will be Miss Port Vale for the 2009/10 season – did not make it through to the final 12.

She said: "Because I am only petite I found it very hard, with all the other girls being so tall, to fit in with them.

"I got pointed out as 'Titch', so I felt a bit out of place, but it was a really good experience."

Emma was interviewed by judges, had to model an 'eco-dress' which she had modified from a friend of a friend's second-hand prom dress, and display a DVD of a hidden talent, which in her case was circus skills and work as a magician's assistant.

Three years ago, the former Trentham High School pupil started work as an assistant to stage magician Andrew Van Buren, performing with him at Blackpool Tower Circus and on a national tour.

Emma now intends to focus on raising money for good causes, firstly through a sponsored walk, and is currently trying to find a worthy children's charity.