A Miss England hopeful who escaped war in Kabul when she was four years old, wants to promote charity work and inspire girls restricted by their culture.

Shabana Fazl, of River View Gardens, came to Twickenham 18 years ago to escape Afghanistan’s civil war, but still feels a strong connection to her roots.

The 22-year-old said: “It took me many years to try and juggle and cope with finding a balance between the two different cultures (the east and the west) as they are very different.”

As well as raising money for the Thai Children’s Trust, which is one of the chosen charities for this year’s Miss England contest, she wants to use the contest to speak to other girls torn between differing cultures.

She said: “I love helping people in any way I can and entering the Miss London contest was a great opportunity for me to not only carry out charity work but to also be a good role model for youngsters who find themselves stuck in between two cultures or find themselves in a place where they have to let go of things they are passionate about due to cultural restrictions.”

Miss Fazl works as a beauty consultant after graduating from Royal Holloway University last summer with a degree in Media Arts, after studying at Richmond College.

She said: “Winning this contest would be a great achievement for me. I would relish the opportunity of winning such a prestigious title by being a key role model not only for ambitious girls around the country but more specifically for females who are restricted by culture and religion.

“I would love to inspire and motivate people in those circumstances to find a balance by pursuing their dreams but also stay strong in their roots.”

Miss Fazl is through to the semi-finals of the competition and now needs votes to be in with a chance of getting through to the Miss England finals on Monday, June 25, and Tuesday, June 26.

To vote for Miss Fazl, either text Miss London32 to 63333, or call 0901 3071037 and enter 32 when prompted.

To donate to Thai Children’s Trust, visit justgiving.com/MissLondon2012 and for more information on the contest, visit missengland.info/regionals/London.