AN OXFORDSHIRE-born contestant in the Miss Wales competition has missed out on the top crown but helped to raise nearly £17,000.

Clarissa Boon competed in the final of the competition last week alongside 32 other women.

She took part in rounds including a welsh dress round, a red dress round and an evening wear round.

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The student, who lives in Woodstock but studies in Cardiff and has a Welsh grandmother, said she had entered the competition 'on a whim', inspired by her mother who was a runner up in Miss Oxford in the 1980s.

She said: "I’ve honestly made friends with 32 other girls from all over Wales and we are all going to meet up again.

"Collectively we have raised £17,000 altogether between us.

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"The last 10 months have been full of charity events, radio and tv interviews and building up to the final last week.

"Although I didn’t win a title or win overall, I have come away with memories that will last forever and friends for life.

"I’m proud of all of the work we have put in and hopefully I can be a role model to younger people to take part in helping others."

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More than 1,000 women enter Miss Wales every year and the competition has raised £600,000.

Gabriella Jukes, from Port Talbot , emerged as the winner for 2019 and will now compete in the national Miss World competition later this year.

The 22-year-old sport and exercise science graduate was competing in the event for the third time and also made the final 14 on Britain’s Next Top Model in 2017.