A Londonderry woman is to take part in a beauty competition with a difference — and will promote the need to use renewable energy sources in Northern Ireland.

Gemma Walker from Converse Models will take part in Miss Earth, to be held in the Phillipines. The winner will be crowned on November 9.

The Miss Earth contestants are said to be “informed, goal-oriented and committed to playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations”.

And the organisers want the beauty queens to “be strong and effective advocates for Mother Earth”.

The Miss Earth delegates during their participation in the pageant are required to plant trees, attend various environmental seminars and educate people on the three Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).

Gemma will fly the Northern Ireland flag in the international televised Miss Earth competition that runs from October 19 to November 10 with over 90 countries participating this year.

Gemma said today she would spend three and a half weeks in the Phillipines and that she would be promoting a renewable energy message at home and abroad.

She said: “I’m so excited, I haven’t really taken it in yet. It’s like a dream. You don’t get many opportunities like this so I’m determined to make the most of it.”