Miss Hertfordshire finalists chosen after semi-finals (From Borehamwood Times)

Miss Hertfordshire finalists chosen after semi-finals

10:14am Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in News By Michael Pickard

A YOUNG woman from Radlett has one hand on the Miss Hertfordshire crown, after winning a place in the competition final.

Alexandra Saetta was among more than 70 girls aged 17 to 24 from across the county visited the Galleria, in Hatfield, to sign up for the semi-final round on Sunday.

Each entrant was photographed before being interviewed by a judging panel. Among the questions fired at them were: why did they want to enter, where do they see themselves in five years time and what would they do if they won Miss England?

“It's not just about their face,” said Sue Waite, the competition organiser. “It's also their personality. That's the main thing. We have got some good girls. The standards are very high.”

Ms Waite revived the event six years ago after a long absence and said it was getting “bigger and bigger” every year.

Asked what the judges look for in a potential Miss Hertfordshire, she said: “You've got to have some looks. It is a beauty competition. You've got to have some stage presence, to get up there and speak. It's everything, it's a package. It's often not the most beautiful girl that wins.”

She also said the stereotype of contestants as aspiring models was wide of the mark. In fact, she said, many want to become presenters or work in the media.

And reigning champion Suzi Cumming, from St Albans, is now a firefighter at Watford fire station.

Ms Waite added: “It opens up lots of doors and they go on to Miss England. But they're not like that [stereotype] at all. Most are at university, they've got degrees or they're working.”

The final will take place in Stevenage on May 16.