16649/9CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A WILTSHIRE beauty who could be crowned Miss World has found a sponsor after her story appeared in the Chippenham News.

Sarah Bligh, 22, of Ditteridge, near Box, appealed for sponsorship after she won a competition to become Miss Wiltshire.

She will represent the county in Bath on March 18 in the contest to choose Miss Great Britain, who will then go on to compete for the prestigious title of Miss World.

Friend Bob Barber, who owns Bob Barber Fitted Bathrooms, based in Box, spotted the article and decided to sponsor Miss Bligh.

She said: "I was really happy and surprised. After the paper came out I suddenly got this phone call from Bob."

Miss Bligh, a drama and dance student at Bath Spa university, volunteers as a 'casino babe' in a charity fundraising group run by Mr Barber, 49, of Westwells Road, Hawthorn.

The group, called Box Revels Fundraising Casino, tours parties, balls and local events.

The 14-strong fundraising team, all from the Box area, includes a group of 'casino babes' who encourage guests to buy voucher for games such as blackjack, all in the name of charity.

The charity group started out at Box Revels, the annual village fete, but is now in high demand.

It tours events at venues including the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Dorothy House hospice in Winsley.

Miss Bligh said: "It's raising money in a fun way. I don't have time to do lots for charity because I'm a student but when I can I do."