STUDENT Chloe Jones, who lost her leg in a hit-and-run accident, is in the final of Miss Nottingham.

But the 20-year-old, who lives in Sneinton, has made it clear she wants to be judged only on looks and personality.

Last month the Post reported how Chloe had vowed not to let her disability get in the way of living a full life.

Her left leg was amputated after the accident in Nottingham last November,

Chloe, who went to the contest auditions in her wheelchair, will join 29 girls in the line-up at Nottingham Crowne Plaza on May 2.

She said: "I am so pleased to be through to the final.

"I'm really nervous as I want people to know why I am entering and for the judges and others to realise that I don't want the sympathy vote."

A second year textiles student at Nottingham Trent University, Chloe had kept the audition secret from her mum Lyn, who is now excitedly looking forward to watching the final.

Chloe said: "I think she thinks I am mad sometimes, just coming straight out of hospital and doing this but she supports me all the way and I think she is just pleased to see me happy."

When Chloe's story appeared in the Post, well-wishers showed their support and one reader was inspired to write a poem about her determination.

"It's so nice to know that it got a good response. I had people in America contacting me about it," she said.

Chloe takes inspiration from disabled campaigner Heather Mills, who lost her leg after a road accident.

Kate Solomons, who organised the Miss Nottingham heat, said: "Chloe was selected for the final purely on her own merit for being an attractive woman with a lovely personality and for having an extremely strong and positive outlook on life."

Other contenders for the Miss Nottingham crown include Rachel Matthews, who is doing a sponsored tandem parachute jump on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, from Wilford, will be making the daring leap from 12,000ft at Langar in aid of Rainbows children's hospice.

Another contestant is Abbie Oldfield, who carries out research into mentally disordered violent offenders and hopes to train in clinical psychology.

Finalist Adaila Currithers, 20, from Top Valley, was an entrant in last year's Miss Black Britain contest.

The Miss Nottingham winner will compete to be Miss England.

As well as judging on the night, there is a separate text competition to find the public's favourite girl. For details visit http://www.missengland.info/regionals/nottingham

lynette.pinchess@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk