THIS beauty is on the brink of national fame - after beating hundreds to the finals of a national pageant.

Asha Hibbert, of Rawcliffe, York, is down to the final 20 of the country's first Miss Black Britain competition.

The 19-year-old nail technician, who has previously appeared in a TV advertisement for the Student Loans Company, was chosen from about 700 entries across the country.

She said: "My agency, Star Now, which finds music and acting jobs, recommended I enter the competition.

"It was really exciting as I've never been in a beauty pageant before, but I was surprised to be picked for the final 20.

"I've done charity fashion shows and a music video, but nothing like this."

Asha, who lives with her mum in Byron Drive, hopes it will help her fulfil a dream of becoming a model.

The teenager, who went to Canon Lee School and works in the salon at Fitness First, Clifton Moor, has twice been shortlisted for Living TV's Britain's Next Top Model programme.

Dancer and choreographer Aneka Johnson, 24, of Leeds, organised the beauty contest to give young black women a chance to make their name.

She said: "There was a gap there, as other people were doing regional competitions, but there was nothing on a national level which was open to all black women.

"But this is a modern competition, more akin to modelling than a beauty contest. There are hardly any black British models, and a few of the girls have already been picked up by agencies."

Judges looked through hundreds of pictures, and invited contestants to heats in Leeds and London where they were selected on personality, looks, and professionalism, and how they appeared on the catwalk and in front of camera.

Asha said: "We were each given a mentor to help us - it was a bit like The X Factor. My mentor, model Tashi Brown, was really inspiring. Now I'm looking forward to the final."

The event takes place at Elland Road, in Leeds, on July 15, and will be filmed for an ITV documentary.

The winner will receive £1,000 cash, a foreign holiday and a contract with London model agency Sugarbabes.

Updated: 09:59 Tuesday, March 14, 2006