The runner up at the Miss India Worldwide competition held in the US has spoken about her experience.

Miss Middlesex and Miss India runner up Anusha Sareen said: “I am so proud to have been placed so high.”

The businesswoman from Edgware had just one week to prepare for the international final after winning the Miss India UK title at the National Final held at The City Pavilion in Romford.

“I barely slept all week while trying to ensure I could be as prepared as possible for the finals.”

She added: “I went to the USA wanting to be true to myself and to allow others to get a glimpse of what it is I believe and what I stand for.

“I have learnt a lot from this experience and met some wonderful friends and taken the next step to achieve the rest of my lifetime goals.”

Anusha was amidst global Miss India country title holders who had been preparing for months, and even years – Anusha arranged her talent round a yoga exhibit with local New Jersey instructor Acro Yogi’s.

Indian-American Shree Saini was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2018, with Sakshi Sinha from Australia and Anusha declared as first and second runners up.

Ms Sareen said: “I am pleased and proud to have won the UK title – a country of diversity, opportunity and independence.

"I have many ideas on how I can use it for the good of the wider community.”