A mother and former beauty queen has said she is ‘over the moon’ her daughter is following in her footsteps.

Hilary Montfort, of Pinner, won several beauty pageants in her youth and says she is ‘very proud’ of her daughter Rachel Monfort-Tennant, who has been crowned Miss Middlesex.

A keen fundraiser, 17-year-old Rachel has raised money for charities such as the Wings of Hope charity in the past and says she is looking forward to using her new title to raise money for affiliated charity Beauty with a Purpose.

The charity aims to raise cash for humanitarian projects around the world.

Mrs Montfort said: “The story really is that I was a beauty queen and she said she was so proud of me and wanted to follow in my steps – like mother, like daughter.

“Rachel is a great role model and I am very proud of her for winning the title of Miss Middlesex.”

“She is very passionate about doing work for the charity, and thinks this title will give her the chance to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

A drama and dance student at Arts Educational School in London, Rachel is now hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

Mrs Montfort added: “She has always supported charities all her life, from swimming to hosting fundraising events.

“She has all sorts of fundraising events in the community lined up – she really wants to help make a difference.”

Rachel will now go through to the semi-final of Miss England, which will be held in July.

To follow her progress, or add a donation to the charity, visit her page here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=rachelmonfort-tennant