Beauty queen challenges stereotype by getting to grips with a vintage Beetle

In fact, for her VW Beetle to handle the curves, the tomboy beauty queen has to spend a fair amount of time messing about under the bonnet herself.

The 17-year-old reigning Miss South Yorkshire, who is also through to the Miss England finals in Leicester next month, has always dreamed of owning a classic car.

She fell in love with the 1973 VW Beetle – she has christened Lola – after spotting it on an internet car restoration site and snapped it up for £600 as her first car.

It was a labour of love to get it back on the road but Caroline, a specialist in Indian and Arabic bridal make up, has shown herself a dab hand under the bonnet.

Caroline, from Doncaster, said: “I did not want a new car. I just wanted a classic. I would love to go on Top Gear if I win Miss England because I’m a major fan.

“I grew up with two older brothers so I guess I am a bit of a tomboy at heart. I certainly like to think that I help to break the mould when it comes to beauty queen stereotypes.

“I love to get my hands dirty and really enjoy the great outdoors and just seem to find myself getting involved in unusual sports and hobbies,” she said.