'Combat Barbie' hopes to help forces' charities.

Summary: Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge says she hopes her attempt to win Miss World will help charities working with British servicemen and women.

A soldier bidding to become Miss World has said she hopes her attempt to win the crown will help charities working with British servicemen and women.

Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge, who was drafted in to compete after Rachel Christie relinquished her title following her arrest over an alleged nightclub brawl, joined 119 other beauty queens at the contest's launch at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park Lane, London.

She said: "In Miss World, we do lots of charity work and it's something I feel very strongly about because of all the work they do.

"It's not just Help for Heroes, but people like SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families' Association), who a lot of people sometimes forget about."

The 22-year-old, whose parents live in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said her military experience could help her in this year's contest.

She said: "I've only had just over 24 hours to prepare and a lot of the girls have a year, but I'm just going to take it in my stride. I'm used to having to pick up my life in five minutes."

L/Cpl Hodge had been due to be sent to Afghanistan before she was crowned Miss England.

She was previously recognised for her actions during a posting in Basra, Iraq, and has earned the nickname "Combat Barbie".

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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