Hunton Bridge woman aiming for Miss Hertfordshire title (From Watford Observer)

Hunton Bridge woman, Caragh Butcher, aiming for Miss Hertfordshire title

1:30pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A young woman from Hunton Bridge is vowing to win the crown for this year’s Miss Hertfordshire competition.

Caragh Butcher, of the Maltings, has reached the final of Miss Hertfordshire 2013 and now she will go head to head with 20 other girls in her bid to win the title.

The 20-year-old will walk the catwalk to wow the judging panel in an evening gown and eco dress she has designed herself.

As part of the eco round of the competition final, Miss Butcher will vamp up a charity shop dress with recycled materials.

With years of experience in performing arts, most notably Miss Butcher has starred in West end musicals, Annie as Grace and High School Musical, as Gabriella.

The former Kings Langley School pupil said: "It isn’t something I have ever done before but I have always thought about it so I thought this year I would give it a go. I was really pleased but shocked that I had got through to the final.

"What with my experience in performing, I have to be confident on stage however this is going to be a nerve racking experience. I think I will be really excited up until the final and then really nervous.

"When I found out I had reached the final I was ringing everyone to tell them the good news. Everyone is really happy for me and has been very supportive."

As part of the competition the finalists are encouraged to fundraise for Miss Hertfordshire’s charity, Beauty with a purpose, which aims to help disadvantaged children across the world.

So far Miss Butcher has organised a quiz night to take place in Abbots Langley, a raffle night, car wash and a light-hearted auction in a Watford nightclub which will see her and other finalist’s auction off men as dates.

Miss Butcher also hopes to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People during her fundraising events.

She said: "Since my Nan and Grandad have got older, their hearing has deteriorated.

"When you are deaf, having a dog can be very important and they can even save someone’s life. I don’t think they gain the recognition they deserve."

Miss Butcher has been acting, singing and dancing since the age of four and attended Stagecoach and Songtime in her bid "to make it to the top".

She said her little brother, nine-year-old Louis, and sister Tylar, 11, hope to follow in her footsteps.

Miss Butcher said: "I am confident I can win. This is hopefully an opportunity to make it to the top."

The hopeful performer will find out if she has won the crown at this year’s finals on May 5 at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel.