A British-Israeli model is hoping to capture the hearts of a nation in the final of the Miss Israel competition.

Channy Maccabee, 23, wants to emulate previous winner Linor Abargil, who went on to become Miss World.

Ms Maccabee will go head-to-head with 19 others in Haifa on Tuesday.

Now living in Tel Aviv, she was working at a publishing company and modelling part-time when a friend suggested she enter the competition.

She said: "It went to the last day of auditions. I was very lucky. They called the next day and said I was in the final."

Since being selected she has travelled to South Africa with the other finalists, posed for magazine shoots and appeared on Israeli TV.

She has also been taught how to use a catwalk, apply make-up and dress suitably. She said: "People have recognised me in the street. I was very surprised. It's quite weird. It's a dream to be in the final."

Ms Maccabee, who spent part of her teens living in Mill Hill with her British parents, added: "I would represent Israel in a good way. I have a great personality and I really love Israel.

"There are good people here. We really want peace - it's a bit of a cliché, I know."