6:48am Wednesday 23rd July 2008
By Andrew Ffrench
Miss Oxford Lyndsay Fayle is planning to end the year on a high despite failing to win the Miss England contest.
The 17-year-old from Denchworth, near Wantage, will take part in a parachute jump for one of her chosen charities, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
Miss Fayle's brother is in the Royal Marines.
In April, Lyndsay beat dozens of entrants to win the Miss Oxford competition and go through to the Miss England final in London on Friday.
She did not make it into the final three at the Troxy Hotel, in Docklands, and the Miss England crown was won by Miss Derby, Laura Coleman.
But Lyndsay's long limbs took her through to the final ten of the Pretty Polly Lovely Legs round, with that contest won by Miss Newcastle.
Lyndsay said: "I had a fantastic time in the competition and there was a great atmosphere, with all the girls talking about what they were going to wear - it was like a giant slumber party. There were three main rounds, evening wear, swimwear and designer clothes and I got such a buzz when I realised some of my schoolfriends had come along to support me.
"I thought I might have a chance of winning the Pretty Polly round, because I have got really long legs, but the competition was very strong.
"I have had a fantastic time since being named Miss Oxford and I would advise anyone to go in for this kind of competition, because it has really boosted my confidence."
Lyndsay is studying for A-Levels in human biology, chemistry and dance at King Alfred Community and Sports College in Wantage, where fellow pupils took part in a Pink Friday event, which raised £82.61 for Cancer Research, one of her charities.
She said: "Taking part in the Miss England contest has given me the confidence to have a go at skydiving for the first time, and the competition has also given me a reason to do it, because we had to choose charities to support."
In her role as Miss Oxford, Lyndsay has modelled Oxford United's new kit.
Miss England spokesman Angie Beasley said: "Lyndsay worked very hard in the competition and that will be good experience for her if she enters again or goes into modelling."
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