BEAUTY queen wannabes were put through their paces by the current Miss England.

Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge was at Roko gym at Clifton Moor to cast her eye over this year’s Miss York hopefuls taking part in a boot camp.

The 23-year-old, who is already a veteran of Iraq where she won a commendation for bravery, hit the headlines last week after she banned the swimwear section of the contest, changing it to sportswear.

The 15 Miss York contestants were put through the rigorous work-out in the hope of being chosen for the Roko Sportswoman Award.

That winner will receive membership for the gym but, more importantly, will be fast-tracked into the final ten of the Miss York competition.

Miss England organiser Angie Beasley said all the competitors were put through a serious work out.

She said: “There are a lot of weary faces. They didn’t realise, I think, that it was going to be so hard.

“The instructors really put the contestants through their paces but the girls have enjoyed it.”

All 15 girls are now looking forward to the Miss York finals on May 30 – along with five other competitors who were unable to make the boot camp stage because of other commitments. The eventual winner will then represent the area at the Miss England final.