Dairy farmer through to Miss Wales final

A young Pembrokeshire dairy farmer has swapped wellies for eveningwear to earn a place in the grand final of Miss Wales 2010.

Katie Withington, 24, manages 250 acres and 180 cows on her parents’ farm in Mathry, Pembrokeshire. But when she’s not in the dairy she’s busily preparing for the final heat of next month’s Miss Wales beauty competition.

Katie, who is also secretary of Brawdy YFC, entered her photo into the competition as a bit of fun, aware that she was about to hit the competition’s upper age limit of 24. The following year she got a letter from the organisers to say she had qualified for the event.

“It’s a really nice change to get out of the wellies and get into a dress and a pair of heels,” said Katie, who will have to impress judges in a series of rounds including evening wear, traditional Welsh dress and interview.

“I think I bring something new into the competition being a farmer, and I’m hoping to make Pembrokeshire proud,” she added.

All competitors are tasked with raising money for Miss Wales’ chosen charity – The Joshua Foundation. Katie was the top fundraiser in the Miss Pembrokeshire heat of the competition, which helped secure her place in the final.

More than 1000 women register for Miss Wales every year. The winner takes home £1000, a package of prizes and is automatically guaranteed a place at Miss World.

The Miss Wales final takes place at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall on 25 June. You can vote for Katie and earn her valuable extra points by visiting http://www.misswales.co.uk/finalists2010/finalists2010.html