Gemma Walker, from Slievemore, will now make her way to the Phillipines for the live televised world final on November 9.

Miss Earth is the latest reinvention of beauty competitions for the new Millennium, improving the concept of 'Beauties for a Cause'.

It is the only beauty competition in the world that promotes environmental awareness through beauty playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.

Gemma, who is signed with North West modelling agency Converse Models, will leave for her month long trip on October 17 along with the Wales, Scotland and England finalists.

And she's ecstastic about the opportunity:

"It has still not sunk in that I have been offered this once in a lifetime chance to represent my country," she said. "I'm over the moon and cannot wait to see what's in store for me and all the other girls once we arrive in Manilla. I love modelling, and through taking part in Miss Earth I have been given the chance to take my modelling career to the next step. This competition has the added factor of the competitors being able to give something back by contributing to a better environment and raising awareness of the issues faced in today's society."

Converse Models will be Gemma's official sponsor for the competition and are delighted to see her get to this stage.

Grainne Devine, who heads up the agency, said: "Converse Models are very proud to be Gemma's sponsor for Miss Earth 2008-2009 and wish her all the best in the competition. We have been working with Gemma since she was given the title of 'Derry's Top Model' in April, and feel that she is a credit to the agency and will do a great justice for Northern Ireland on her visit to the Phillipines. It is great to see the talent in the North West being recognised as some of the best in Northern Ireland."

In its first year the Miss Earth UK grand finalists raised £2,391.97 for the WWF-UK World Wildlife Fund 'One Planet Future Campaign' and is set to raise even more this year.