An animal lover who owns a host of pets will be battling to represent Hertfordshire in the Miss England beauty competition.

Emma Moore, 24, is a pet owner who lives in Watford with three dogs, two cats, a guinea pig, a rabbit, a tortoise, three cockatiels, budgies and fish, as well as her mother and brother.

She also owns a pet horse called Patrick who lives in stables nearby.

Speaking to the Watford Observer, the contestant said she was "really, really happy" to have got a place in the final heat of the competition.

She will battle it out as one of 40 contestants all hoping to win the Miss Hertfordshire spot.

Ms Moore will be collecting donations on behalf of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the competition's chosen charity.

She has planned several fundraisers, the newspaper said, including a sponsored dog walk.

The competition's final heat will be held on 16 May in Stevenage.