A UNIVERSITY of Manchester medical student from Flixton has reached the final of the ‘Miss Manchester pageant, which will be held on April 24 at the Palace Hotel.

Former Urmston Grammar School pupil, Lucy Trevor, 22, is in her fourth year at university and is one of 34 finalists to be judged by a panel, which will include Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh.

Lucy told the Messenger: “I feel that the Miss Manchester pageant is the perfect platform to help me contribute to my local area.”

The student is keen to use her appearance as an opportunity to change body-image perceptions.

“I’m not a model. I have a curvy, healthy figure. I would love to be a role model for young girls who look to public figures for guidance and security.

“You don’t have to be size zero to be beautiful. I want to represent all the successful, independent women out there who aren’t in magazines.”

Lucy’s ambition is to become a consultant paediatric neurologist - she is currently working on a project at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

In addition to crowning ‘Miss Manchester’, the pageant is raising money for a number of causes, including community charity ‘Forever Manchester’.

Finalists are currently competing in a ‘popularity’ competition.

To vote for Lucy, text ‘Miss Manch35 to 64343 (texts cost £1 plus standard network rate). Proceeds go to ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, which helps disadvantaged children worldwide.