Miss Winchester Sophie Childs is planning to give up her job as a topless pole dancer in the pursuit of her dream to become a model.

The 21-year-old beauty walked off with the title at Eastleigh's Concorde Club last week.

As she prepares to represent Winchester at the Miss England contest next month Sophie says that thanks to the win she will now hopefully be able to give up pole dancing.

She said: "I am hopeful that if my modelling career takes off after Miss Winchester that I can give up pole-dancing and concentrate on modelling."

Sophie also teaches people pole dancing for fitness, and said it is one of the fastest growing sports, particularly among female celebrities who see it as a great way to tone-up without building muscle.

She said: "I know some people will object, but there's really very little difference between dancing on a stage and walking down a catwalk in underwear - both require you being comfortable with your body and with performing in front of people."

She added: "I have been offered glamour modelling assignments in the past and have always been very careful to turn them down because I didn't want to jeopardise my future in the modelling industry."

Community leaders in Winchester said they did not care about Sophie's past, and were only concerned about how she does her current job.

Alan Weeks, chairman of the Winchester Residents' Association, said: "It's really only important what she does in the role of Miss Winchester, and with the personality she seems to have I have no doubt she will do well."