A semi-finalist in the Miss London Beauty Pageant says she wants to be a role model for girls who are struggling with their body image.

Hazel Satija, who lives and grew up in Sudbury, has suffered with body image issues and mental illness since she was 14.

The 25-year-old artist said she missed out on a lot of opportunities as a teenager, but revealed the most heartbreaking moment was turning down an offer to study psychology at Oxford University because she was too unwell.

But she says she is finally healthy and confident enough to fulfil her dream of competing in a pageant.

If she wins the final on May 1, she will be in with a chance of becoming Miss England, and then Miss World.

Ms Satija, who attended North London Collegiate School for Girls, hopes her own story can help those with mental illnesses believe they can get through.

“I have come through a lot and I am a lot more strong and independent as a result. I have had a lot of struggles with my body image but I am now at one of the more healthy points in my life,” she said.

“This is the first year I have been well enough to compete and I wanted to be a role model to girls who are struggling with their body image. The most important thing is how you feel on the inside.

“My aim is to truly help young women to appreciate both their inner and outer beauty.”

But Ms Satija wants to dispel outdated ideas about what a beauty pageant entails.

She said: “There is no bikini round, it’s all more modern now. So much of it is about who you are and showing that you are a well-rounded person.

“I know everyone says this but I really was most excited about raising money for charity, which all the contestants have to do. I have raised almost £1,500 for Beauty With a Purpose and St Christopher’s Hospice, the official Miss London charities.”