Sarah Michelle Sairandhri Fleming, Sai to her friends, studies Business, HE Textiles and Spanish at A level. She lives in the Brecon Beacons national park with her 2 horses, which she loves to ride, and her 2 dogs. In 2005-2006 she took a GAP year from her studies travelling to the Middle East, Thailand and Myanmar as a voluntary youth worker.

How did you get involved in the Miss Wales contest?

I was at a motivational seminar in London, as a youth leader for a foundation working with about 30-40 children, we had just done an exercise when the man on stage asked for feedback, I raised my hand to talk, stood up in front of the 10,000 strong audience and conquering my fear of public speaking, I gave my feedback.

Claire Evans, Miss Wales 2005, was in the audience and told me about the competition, saying I should enter. I was unsure at first, being only 16 and not really fitting into the typical "model" stereotype. However, once I was informed about the 'Beauty with a Purpose' motto of the competition, I realised that it was about a lot more than just looks and that I could continue my passion of working with charities, and in fact use my role to help them further.

What was it like when you actually won?

The moment before they announced the winner, I was completely unsuspecting and was looking at all the beautiful girls around me wondering which lucky lady it would be.

When they called my name, I was routed to the spot, desperately trying to remember the format of what to do if you won. I walked forward in disbelief, speechless when Jason Harold of Red Dragon FM tried to interview me. He pointed to my Dad in the crowd who was taking pictures and crying, and at this point the magnitude of what had just happened seemed to come crashing down on me, and I too started crying! It truly was one of the best moments of my life and one that will remain forever in my heart.

Is there such a thing as a 'usual' Miss Wales day?

Not at all, one day I could be a normal teenager, drive my brother and myself to school, have a hard days work, followed by a couple hours homework and looking after my horses.

I could be in Poland, where every day was a new and exciting adventure at the Miss World pageant, with many TV and newspaper interviews and organised trips on yachts, hot air balloons, horse and carriages, rehearsals...

Or I could have a photo shoot in the morning followed by school in the afternoon, or a day at school and an evening presenting at an awards ceremony with Alistair McGowan... my year has been full of unpredictable fun.

Many of us don't know what being Miss Wales entails, what did you find yourself signed up for?

As Miss Wales, the highlight of the year is no doubt competing in the month long Miss World competition where you tour the host country and are photographed and interviewed everywhere you go, as an ambassador for Wales.

You get to take part in many fun events promoting our country and raising lots of money via many different methods for charity. It is a spectacular whirlwind of a year, and one that should be enjoyed and cherished for every moment you're blessed with.

What has been the best moment of your year as Miss Wales?

There have been many amazing moments, of course the moment I won was incredible, as were moments visiting a care home and making the day of elderly ladies who would have watched the Miss World competition religiously when they were younger, or when little girls come up and say they want to grow up and be just like you when they're older.

One of my favourites would have to be the moment I put on my Miss Wales sash at Miss World - standing amongst over 100 other nations proud to death to be representing our beautiful principality.

Have you had any embarrassing moments to cope with?

Considering I'm an extremely clumsy person I've been fairly lucky with the minimal embarrassment I've had over the year... however, I have had my moments.

At a Red Dragon FM charity dinner with celebrity waiters, I was wearing a black pencil skirt as part of my uniform; it was only towards the end of the night I noticed the split of the skirt had considerably grown rather embarrassingly high up my leg!

Needless to say I asked the hotel for a sewing kit ASAP!

What advice would you give to aspiring competitors?

DO be yourself, you don't want to have to compensate who you are and then spend a miserable year being someone you're not, and you can always tell who's not genuine.

DO enjoy the journey - don't take it too seriously, it'll be over before you know it so better to have fond memories to look back on.

DO NOT think that your nails, hair, shoes, dress are the only and most important preparation - I think that the interview is the most important part, it really is about a lot more than your appearance.

DO make sure you're comfortable in what you're wearing, and practice walking in your shoes!

DO NOT ever stop smiling; I think it is these sorts of competitions where the phrase "winning smile" has emerged!

What are you up to now?

It seems an age since I won the competition at only 16 years of age, last weekend I celebrated my 18th birthday and on Friday I competed in the Miss Earth UK pageant, which I won!

This means in October I will be off to the Philippines to take part in the Miss Earth competition that will be similar to Miss World uniting around 100 nations, but this time for the cause of the environment.

How do you see the next few years?

First, I shall finish my A levels, hopefully attain a place at either Cambridge University or London College of Fashion, I still haven't chosen my direction yet And then, who knows? But you will definitely be seeing more of me in the not too distant future!

Q&A with Sarah Fleming

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