Sioned, 21, who recently graduated from Glamorgan University and is now planning to study a post graduate teaching course in Swansea University, is the fourth Mid Wales finalist, where she will join Llanidloes' Lucy Davies and Angharad Taylor, and Newtown's Hollie Whittaker.

This year's Miss Wales final is expected to be the biggest competition in the event's history. In 2007, it generated around £55,000 for The Joshua Foundation, a charity for children with terminal cancer. This year it is hoped the fundraising total will top £70,000.

"I needed a new challenge and I thought entering the Miss Wales competition would be perfect for me," said Sioned.

"I am really patriotic and to represent my country is such an honour.
"Getting to the final is something I never expected to happen, but now it has I really want to go on and do the best I can.

"The Miss Wales competition is fantastic because it is not just a beauty contest. The most important thing is to raise some money for charity and that is something I have always felt passionate about."

The winner will travel across the world in an ambassadorial role for the Joshua Foundation. Highlights will include a visit to Lapland with families in December and also a month-long visit to Australia in the summer as part of the fundraising Oz Experience.

Amongst other prizes the winner will go on to represent Wales in the autumn at Miss World 2008 in the Ukraine. She will also receive a contract with Wales Vibe Models.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Sioned Richards should contact her by email at sionedrichards@hotmail.com.

To vote for Sioned text WOSVOTE3 55 to 84080 or call 09012291770 and key in 55. Calls and texts cost 25p.