MISS Manchester finalist Millie Thompson says she would love to use the title to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Millie, 24, from Knutsford, is seeking the public’s votes in her bid to represent the city in the Miss England finals.

There are 21 finalists, with the June 2 final being held at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester.

Miss Manchester 2019 will represent Manchester in the Miss England finals, and the Miss England winner will take part in Miss World 2019, which offers a top prize of $100,000.

Millie, who attended Knutsford Academy and took part in Knutsford Royal May Day, has a degree in performing arts from the Guildford School of Acting, where she suffered from anxiety.

She said: “It was a very lonely place, and I suffered from extreme panic attacks and hair loss.

“I have worked so hard over the years to overcome it, and finally after four years I am off my medication and feel so much stronger and positive.

“It is always there, but I understand it and have ways of controlling it, and hardly feel it now.

“I would love to use the platform of Miss Manchester to be able to raise more awareness and help people who are suffering so they don’t feel alone and can relate to someone who has been through it.

“Feeling alone is not a nice feeling, and it’s so important to have someone with you.

“I am very lucky to have had support from my mum, who is by my side every day and helped me to overcome it.

"I would love to be Miss Manchester, and to represent the city would be an honour."

Millie said the winner of Miss Manchester would be chosen from a combination of the public’s votes, the views of the judges and the total raised for charity.

She is raising money for Beauty with a Purpose, which was created by Julia Morley in 1972 and is at the heart of Miss World.

Hundreds of millions of pounds have been raised and donated to local and international organisations for disadvantaged children across the world.

Millie has so far raised almost £200, including Gift Aid, at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MillieThompson1

To vote for her text MISS MCR22 to 63333. Texts cost 50p.