A Harrow artist has secured herself a place in the Miss London 2015 final thanks to her fundraising efforts.

Hazel Satija discovered she had been crowned Miss Charity 2015 after taking part in the semi-finals, which required contestants to practise their catwalk and interview skills.

The 25-year-old from Sudbury raised £1433.75 for Beauty with a Purpose and St Christopher's Hospice - £400 more than the runner-up in the fundraising category.

This fast-tracked her to the Miss London final at the Hippodrome Casino on May 1.

Ms Satija decided to compete after struggling with body issues and mental illness for many years and wanting to show others that they can be overcome.

Just 12 women are now in the running to take the Miss London crown, which would allow them to compete in the Miss England pageant.

The Miss London semi-finalists raised £6,700 for this year’s chosen charities, and a representative from St Christopher’s Hospice spoke to the contestants about the work done by the London hospice.

Ms Satija said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet. Somebody called to tell me and I couldn’t believe it, I feel so shocked.

“I am nervous for the final but excited as well. I really want to win but I will just have to do my best.

“Hearing from a man who had been helped by St Christopher’s made me feel really great that I’d tried so hard to raise money.”