A Norwich woman hopes a top result in an international beauty pageant will help open doors in the world of showbiz.

Kerry Brady, 26, was the first runner-up in the Miss British Empire pageant, which took place in Buckinghamshire on Friday.

Miss Brady said she was thrilled with the result.

She said: 'When they called my name I was so shocked but so happy as I was the only British girl that made the top 3; the other two girls were Australian.

'I'm hoping this will open up other opportunities and a potential change in career towards to entertainment/showbiz.'

Miss Brady, who works as a negotiator at Abbotts Countrywide, is a former Hellesdon High School pupil and was previously crowned 'Miss East Anglia' at a pageant in Cambridge in 2013.

Miss British Empire was her first international event, and she said it included some daunting moments.

Miss Brady said: 'The most challenging part is getting up on that stage in a swimsuit.

'It's completely out of my comfort zone, but for you to grow more confident as I person I feel it's healthy to do things that pushes you further once in a while.'

Contestants were judged on their performance in a catwalk show, in answering a series of questions, and on other criteria such as stage presence.

MORE: Norfolk beauty Kerry Brady aims to conquer 'British Empire' pageantThe pageant, which was run this year for the seventh time, also has categories for men, boy and girls, and this year's category winners travelled from as far afield as Western Australia and Kenya to take part.

Miss Brady said she hoped to put the result to good use by inspiring others, and planned to start a fitness club.

She said she also wanted to continue supporting charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said: 'As first runner-up I want to do some fundraising and We've now launched a fit club at The Wellness Studios Norwich starting at 6pm on September 6.

'I believe it's about being a good role model and setting an example to others.'

Miss Brady said she also hoped to take part in a Miss Norfolk and Model of the Year pageant which takes place on September 23.

She said: 'The winner will be taken to the finals of Miss UK in October this year.'