REIGNING Miss Black Country Abigail Cutler is planning to make a dramatic entry into this year's Miss England Final by walking 101 miles to the showpiece venue in Southport.

Abigail, from Rowley Regis, will be accompanied on her trek by Mr Black Country, James Machin, from West Bromwich.

The pair plan to set off from the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on Friday morning and will attempt to reach their destination on Sunday.

They will be armed with just £20, an A to Z map, a phone and a rucksack full of essentials.

Abigail, a 23-year-old professional dancer, said: "We've got our route worked out and I'm really excited about the challenge but I must admit, I'm getting nervous about the weather.

"It was my idea to do the walk, a bit of a brainstorm I suppose but I needed to do something for the charity Beauty With A Purpose, which is the official charity for both Miss England and Miss World.

"We hope to raise awareness of the charity through publicity from the walk but we're also relying on the support of local businesses to help us survive the trip.

"We're hoping someone will put us up for the night, but if that fails, we've been given a tent."

The pair will set off at 8.30am and plan to reach Telford by then end of the day.

On Saturday the intrepid pair will then attempt to walk from Telford to Birkenhead.

Then on Sunday they will take the ferry and complete their walk to Southport.

Abigail added: "We'll be flying the flag for the Black Country. In fact the Black Country flag will be the first thing that I pack.

"We're both pretty fit, I've run the London Marathon and James is currently training for a triathlon."

Anyone who would like to support Abigail should visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/abigail-cutler.