LONDON- Maria Mahmood from Birmingham is set to become the firsthijab-wearing Muslim to compete in Miss England.

The 20-year-old who hopes to change mindsets about Muslims through thebeauty pageant is through to the semi-finals. And if she wins, she aims tocompete in Miss World.

“Muslims are associated with negative things like terrorism. I’m determinedto do my bit to challenge those views,” Maria told *The Mirrorlink>*.

“It’s pretty rare for a Muslim woman to be in a beauty pageant but there’snothing to stop us entering. I entered Miss Birmingham and the organiserswere delighted to have a hijab-wearing Muslim in the competition. Theyfast-tracked me through to the final where I competed against 30 girls andcame second. I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

While a Muslim has previously been crowned Miss England, Maria is the firsthijab-wearer to take part. She bagged a place in the semi-final afterfinishing runner-up in last week’s Miss Birmingham — her first-everpageant.

The psychology student and daughter of a cab driver, said she is supportedby her friends, family and the wider Muslim community but expects somebacklash from ‘old-timers’.

“Most people have been supportive. There have been a few negative commentsand I’m fully expecting some criticism from old-timers. But what I’m doingis empowering for Muslim women. I’m anticipating most people will back me,”she added.

Regarding the swimwear round, the 20-year-old said, “Obviously, I’m notgoing to parade on stage in a bikini as that is going against my religionand beliefs. I’ll wear a burkini.”

Miss England director Angie Beasley said, “We’re delighted Maria will bewearing a hijab. It’s the first time that we’ve had a hijab-wearer takingpart.”

The Miss England semi-final will be held in Newark, Notts, in July.