Bognor beauty queen becomes smallest Miss England finalist

Catherine-Leigh Cleaves says she was a “prime target for bullies” and was picked on by classmates for her size when she was younger.

Now, Catherine says her size is an advantage and wants to continue making history after becoming the shortest Miss England semi-finalist in nearly a century.

Catherine, 26, from Bognor, said: "I want to able to inspire shorter ladies to actually go for it.

"A lot of women hold back because of their height or weight. If I can inspire other ladies, then that’s great.

"As a child I was picked on. I was prime target for the bullies.

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"I was asked if I bought my clothes in Mothercare or if I was ‘wearing my baby grow’ today.

"This affected me in ways I can’t put into words. I am a short girl with anxiety and the treatment I received from other people in school made my life harder for me.”

At 4 ft 10 inches, Catherine will be the shortest Miss England semi-finalist in the competition’s 94-year history.

She said she got into modelling in 2021 and applied for Miss England for the first time this year.

The beauty queen reached the semi-finals of the competition after coming top of a public vote.

On the competition, Catherine said: “I am a little bit nervous to be around people who are so much taller than me and blending into the background. On the other hand it might give me more recognition.

"I have one dress, but it’s too long on me. I find jeans ok as I can get them in the kids' section.

Catherine-Leigh Cleaves (Image: SWNS)

"But for dresses, unless I want 'Hello Kitty' on them, I have to get my mum to make alterations. In shoes I’m a size 2.5. I don’t mind getting shoes in the kids' sections.

Miss England organiser Angie Beasley said “Unlike model agencies, we don’t have height restrictions in Miss England.

"We look for inspiring females to take part in the contest like Catherine. I wish her all the best.”

Catherine will be taking part in the Miss England semi-final at Viva Blackpool on April 7.