A 22 year-old student is celebrating after securing herself a place in the Miss England grand final in June.

Clinical Psychology student Nikki Sahota, from West Bromwich was crowned Miss Black Country 2012.

The event,organised by Front Models and held at the Malmaison Hotel in Birmingham, saw Nikki take to the catwalk alongside other contestants from across the county and compete for the title of Miss Black Country in three exciting rounds.

Nikki said,” I am so overwhelmed, I can’t believe I actually won.

"I only came out of hospital on the day of the final after being treated for a failing kidney so didn’t feel 100% all day.

"However I managed to pull myself together and smile throughout the day and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, despite feeling unwell. I am thrilled to be chosen to represent my county at the Miss England final later this year and I just hope I can do the Black Country proud and bring home the crown”.

Nikki, who is currently studying at Stafford University, impressed the judges with her beauty, intelligence and eloquence, in the interview round, her poise and grace in the evening wear and her fantastic physique in the sportswear round.

Head judge David Douglass from Front Models said, “All the finalists looked fantastic last night and the competition was very fierce.

"All the contestants performed extremely well and are all winners for making it through to the final of Miss Black Country but Nikki really stood out and shone in every round. She really is a fantastic young woman with a lot of drive and motivation to succeed which is extremely impressive.

"We are looking forward to working with her over the coming months to help her prepare for Miss England later this year.”

The event held at the Malmaison Hotel in Birmingham was hosted by former Miss England and manager at Front Models, Laura Coleman.