'Combat Barbie' steps in as new Miss England
London | November 07, 2009 11:18:00 AM IST
 

Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge has been crowned the new Miss England after former winner Rachel Christie withdrew from the title.

Christie, who was the first black woman to be crowned Miss England, stepped down following her arrest over an alleged fight with Miss Manchester Sara Beverley Jones in a nightclub.

Contest organisers announced her place was given to first runner-up L/Cpl Hodge, who will now represent the country in the Miss World Final in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 12.

"Due to the media attention following the allegations against her, Rachel Christie has now decided to withdraw from the Miss World competition and relinquish her Miss England crown," the Telegraph quoted a statement from the organisers as saying.

"Rachel will concentrate on clearing her name and focus on training for the 2012 Olympics until this case is resolved.

"Rachel is very upset about the matter and the Miss England organiser Angie Beasley and Miss World Chairman Julia Morley will support Rachel and are behind Rachel with her Olympic training," it stated.

L/Cpl Hodge, nicknamed "Combat Barbie" over her bravery in Iraq, has been granted leave from her duties as a soldier in the British Army to participate in the competition. (ANI)

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