A model from Newtown who has been battling coronavirus on the frontline working at a care home is hoping to be crowned Miss British Isles 2020/21.

Current Miss Powys Rhoslyn Lapworth will be competing against 50 other finalists from across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales at the national final in Chester this Friday (September 3).

The 20-year-old said she is “really excited but also very nervous” to compete on the big stage but is proud to take part in an event that is “very much about women empowerment”.

“I stumbled into modelling by accident but quite a nice one,” she said. “I was quite nervous to enter the modelling world because you here all these horror stories. But with the Miss British Isles I’ve connected with a lot of the girls through social media and all of them are so lovely even though I have not met them, yet I feel that I’ve made friends already.”

Rhoslyn grew up in Auckland, New Zealand but returned to Wales five years ago. Since leaving secondary school she has worked at a care home in her local community caring for residents with Alzheimer’s and Dementia while also keeping up with her Child Psychology and Criminology studies at university.

She said the past 18 months working as a carer during the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for residents and staff.

“It happened out of nowhere and everybody was frightened. People have got over Covid but some are still so frightened. Some hate being left alone because they’re scared that we’re not going to come back.

“It is very upsetting, but it is a case of trying to reassure residents that we are here and that it’s going to be alright now.”

If Rhoslyn wins the Miss British Isles crown she would get a modelling and influencer contract, a photoshoot trip to Marbella and Gibraltar, a portfolio from four shoots throughout the year and official Miss British Isles gifts and merchandise.

Rhoslyn will be required to take part in a professional photo-shoot prior to the final and then a catwalk show at the final which is in front of the judges and the winner is announced on the day.

Previous winners of Miss British Isles organised events have gone on to be signed by top modelling agencies, taken part in major TV shows and even appeared in a Bollywood film.