Miss England contestant from Oxshott in running to become first British Indian winner

Neha Dhull, 22, wants to use her platform to raise awareness of causes such as feminism and take part in charity work

By Alexander Brock 13:20, 3 MAY 2018

A social worker from Oxshott is in the running to become the first British Indian Miss England.

Neha Dhull was selected as a semi-finalist for the competition on Sunday, April 22 at a pageant, which also saw a model from Weybridge crowned Miss Surrey .

The 22-year-old, who lives in Kings Warren, will now take part in the the semi-final of Miss England on July 3.

Neha said taking part in her first pageant was a daunting but enjoyable experience.

"I was so nervous," she said. "My parents are amazing though. I can't stress how much I value my parents. The people there were really supportive about me taking part though.

"The Miss England organisation was very supportive and encouraging."

As part of the pageant, Neha said she had to take part in a general knowledge test and also design a dress made out of a recyclable materials.

Neha now wants to use her platform to raise awareness of causes such as feminism and to take part in charity work for Beauty with a Purpose, which raises money for humanitarian projects across the world.

"This is my one chance to make a difference," she said. "I think for me to take part being a woman of colour, it was really empowering.

Neha Dhull in the dress she made out of recyclable materials (Image: David Freeman Photography)

"There has never been a British Indian girl that has won Miss England before, so this could really be about change.

"I just feel it's so important. This was my first pageant experience but I wanted to do it as it would be a brilliant platform for me to do something new and different."

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/miss-england-contestant-oxshott-running-14609891