But the bubbly 21-year-old, from Newton-le-Willows, who has a first class degree in computing from Liverpool University, has stunned her family and friends by sailing through to the UK final of Miss Universe - her first ever beauty pageant.

She said: "I normally love to surprise people by being successful in male dominated pursuits, but I think I even surprised myself with this one. I just stumbled across the Miss Universe website while I was university and thought I'd give it a go, but I never thought I'd make it this far.

"I've beaten bullies in the past to get where I am today so I just want to have a bit of fun now and see how far I can go."

Sophie, a national karate champion, is set to battle it out for the the golden ticket to the Las Vegas Miss Universe final in Birmingham on May 3.

To make it through to the global final, Sophie must impress judges in an interview before wowing them in masquerade, bikini and ball gown catwalk shows.

But before then the former Rainford High pupil is focusing her efforts on raising as much money as she can for the Joshua Foundation - a charity which helps terminally ill children enjoy a special holiday away with their family.

She added: "It would be great to get to the global final of Miss Universe, because it's about intelligence and strength of character as well as modelling. But I never look too far ahead - that's what keeps me jolly. If I was successful, then I would have to think about a future in modelling - but I'm not worried about that now. It's just a fun ride and I hope it's going to continue."

To sponsor Sophie and raise funds for the Joshua Foundation, go online at: justgiving.com/sophie_johnson
Any company capable of giving Sophie £500 in corporate sponsorship, can e-mail her at: s.johnson87@hotmail.com