A County Durham animal rights speaker and model has her eyes on the prize as her fight to win the coveted Miss England crown begins today (Thursday May 16).

Tiger-May Millington of Bishop Auckland will tonight take to the stage for the Miss England final - and she's hoping to bring back the crown for the North East.

The 26-year-old, who is a model and social media influencer, joined the pageant because of her avid interest in animal rights - and spends her time delivering talks for Animal Aid in an attempt to educate youngsters on the importance of making conscious choices for nature.

The Northern Echo: Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland.Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland. (Image: TIGER MILLINGTON)

She qualified to represent County Durham in the semi-final competition held in Blackpool on April 7, and is now set to make the journey to Wolverhampton for the final.

If she's lucky enough to bring home the win, Tiger hopes the platform will act as a "vehicle" to spread her work promoting animal rights, environmental awareness and have a global impact.

"My journey to Miss England has been a bit of strange one as I competed many years ago in a different system many years ago", Tiger said.

The Northern Echo: Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland.Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland. (Image: TIGER MILLINGTON)

I was so overwhelmed but I loved it - being around these girls who have such amazing stories. I knew it was something I wanted to come back to."

She added: "I really want to raise awareness for animal rights and continue my outreach on social media, in schools, with talks. 

"The issues we face are international - and it would be great to be the representative for England and take it all the way to Miss World."

The Northern Echo: Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland.Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland. (Image: TIGER MILLINGTON)

The contest will officially kick off on Thursday (May 16) night with the girls taking part in a ethical 1920s travel outfit showcase.

Then, on Friday (May 17) Tiger's evening and little black dress look have both been loaned and made from recycled material - an ode to her passion for sustainability.

There will also be a bare faced catwalk - for which Tiger already holds a regional title for as she sets her sights on the national crown.

The Northern Echo: Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland.Tiger Millington from Bishop Auckland. (Image: TIGER MILLINGTON)

As she makes her final preparations to take the stage, Tiger has admitted the whole experience has been an "honour".

"I am really excited - nervous as well because I am so passionate about what I do. I care so much about why I do what I do, and I've been receiving a huge amount of support.


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"Every day I get messages saying people are rooting for me. It would be fantastic for me to bring this crown back to the North East - I can't remember the last time it was here!"

Should Tiger win the Miss England title, she'll be entered to compete in the coveted Miss World competition which earlier this year took place in India. 

The current Miss England is aerospace engineering graduate Jessica Gagen from Lancashire.