FIVE gorgeous Gwent girls have reached the final of Miss Wales 2004.

Law student Catherine Pope, 19, from Caerleon; 21-year-old Victoria Carlin, a medical student from Langstone, Newport; 20-year-old Helen Batley, from Usk; Rachel Rice, 20, a student from Cwmbran; and 17-year-old Charlotte Davies, from Cwmbran, all made it to the final 24 girls.

Catherine, who studies at Cardiff University, said "I am really, really pleased and everyone is happy for me."

Helen Batley, who wants to become a model, said she entered the competition too late last year so was pleased and shocked to get through to the final.

She said: "I have wanted to do this since I was a little girl. I am serious about becoming a model and this is my ultimate dream."

Charlotte Davies is studying at the London Studio Centre arts college, and wants to be an actress.

She said: "I decided to enter this year to see how I got on and I am very pleased and excited. I am looking forward to the whole process." Rachel Rice is hoping it is third time lucky for her.

She said: "The competition is tough. It was hard last year but I will keep trying.

"You meet some great friends and are treated really well.

"I am still nervous even though I have been to the final before."

Event organiser, Paula Abbandonato, of Vibe FM, said: "We are delighted with the response from Welsh girls. It's going to be the best competition Wales has seen in years."

The prize package for Miss Wales 2004 is better than ever before, with an all-expenses-paid shopping trip to New York, a package of goodies including clothes from Fab and Elinor Franklin, shoes from Brantano and beauty products, as well as the chance to compete in Miss World.

Tickets for the final, on Thursday, September 9, in Swansea, are available from www.misswales.co.uk or by calling Vibe FM on 029 2039 400.