Harleen Sidhu has reached the finals of Miss Birmingham 2017. 

Over a thousand young women entered the pageant and now only 31 remain in the running for the finals. 

Harleen currently teaches full-time at an all-boys secondary school and is currently raising money for Miss Birmingham's chosen charity, Beauty with a Purpose, which helps sick and disadvantaged children.

She graduated with MSc Health Psychology in 2013 from Aston University.

Harleen said, “I applied with hope and a little hesitancy to the Miss Birmingham pageant and was thrilled when I realised that I had made it to the finals

"For someone who underwent bullying, anxiety and a huge lack of self confidence, I was able to build myself again through positive experience in voluntary work.

"By working with various communities within Birmingham, I found my self-confidence again, as well as a desire to see others succeed."

She added, "What struck me the most about the Miss Birmingham pageant was how it uniquely brought together the element of beauty and charity. 

"The panel are not just looking for an attractive face or body, but they’re looking for a people person, an ambassador thriving to go out into the city and contribute and raise awareness of principal issues. 

"As I’m extremely keen to spread the word about lifelong learning and supporting mental health, I felt that this platform provided a fantastic opportunity for my personal and professional experiences to do this and do it well, to make my mum and my city proud."

The Miss Birmingham 2017 finals will take place at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham on Sunday May 21. 

You can vote for Harleen by texting MISSBIRMINGHAM11 to 63333. 

Texts cost 50p plus the standard network rate and all proceeds will go to the charity Beauty with a Purpose.