A former ‘Miss Oxfordshire’ beauty queen will retire from pageants to focus on her work and family life.

Alex Evangelou, 27, who represented the county in the Miss England competition, said she feels ‘ready to hand up my crown’ at the end of this year.

The NHS social worker, who has competed in pageants over the last three years, said: “Being in a pageant has its positives and negatives, I have found that some platforms can negatively affect your self-esteem and confidence where as others can grow your confidence and make you feel beautiful and independent.

Herald Series: Alex Evangelou is a finalist in this year’s Eco Pageants UK competition

Herald Series: Alex Evangelou is a finalist in this year’s Eco Pageants UK competition

“This however can be an emotional roundabout, and you cannot always be certain what pageant will support your goals, advocacy, and physical appearance.”

Ms Evangelou is a finalist in this year’s Eco Pageants UK competition, an environmentally focused pageant which claims to be ‘one of the fastest growing international competitions.’