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Beauty's life of guns and roses
SHE has 'paintballed' a radio presenter's private parts and dressed as a princess while reading books to children – life is never dull for Miss England Katrina Hodge.
The beauty queen, who was in town recently to launch the upcoming 'Miss Morecambe' event, is currently on a six-month unpaid sabbatical from her day job as Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge of the Ashton General's Corps, a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.
Dubbed 'Combat Barbie' by the national press, 22-year-old Kat only signed up for the forces five years ago after a dare by her brother.
A year later, aged 18, she was given an award for bravery after she disarmed an Iraqi attempting to escape from custody in Basra.
"We were taking him back to base when our vehicle was involved in an accident and rolled three times. He took our weapons. I thought I was going to die anyway so made a grab for the guns."
"I only used reasonable force," she says with a smile.
And Kat can't wait to get back to base once her six-month tour ends.
"I really love my job, it's challenging and rewarding.
"To the other soldiers I'm just one of the lads. I'm just Kat who rolls around in mud and does laddish things. They are more interested in meeting the other girls at the beauty contests!"
Kat, who is as opinionated as she is attractive, scoffs at those who say beauty contests are degrading to women.
"I find that view hilarious, bearing in mind my job," she says.
"This is my one opportunity to raise money for charity and try to be a role model for young girls.
"There are so many fake celebrities. I think it's better to have a role model who is real."
So Kat's advice to any budding Miss Morecambe is "be yourself".
And she hopes that whoever wins the crown will be an
ambassador for Morecambe and also the British seaside in general.
"I live in Brighton so I like chilling out on the beach," she adds.
"Maybe the next Miss Morecambe can promote holiday resorts in the UK."
Miss Morecambe will be crowned in a ceremony at the Clarendon Hotel on Saturday, May 29. Would-be contestants have until this Friday (February 26) to enter Miss Morecambe. Go to www.missmorecambe.co.uk.
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
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