NINETEEN-YEAR-old model Olivia Harris will be flying the flag for Wales and Monmouthshire this month, when she competes against the globe’s most beautiful women for the Miss World crown.

The former Caldicot Comprehensive School pupil described it "as a dream come true" before jetting out last week to Puerto Rico ahead of the final on December 16.And having landed the Miss Wales crown back in September, the glamorous build-up to the 70th Miss World has already seen the teenager do fashion shoots and interviews on the stunning Caribbean Island.Olivia, who is also a beauty therapist and an ambassador for the Ready Steady Go charity for children with autism, hasn’t forgotten her roots though, posting a video message to her old school to wish them the best of luck for their Christmas Concert on December 18 in aid of Caldicot Food Bank.After winning the Miss Wales title, which also sees her promote the Beauty with a Purpose charity, she said: "I feel very blessed and privileged to share this amazing news."I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of my journey as a Miss Wales finalist. I have grown over the last two years within the folds of the Miss Wales sisterhood into the strong and empowered woman that I am today and I am looking forward to continuing that growth as I progress on my journey forward to Miss World."The support I have had from everyone around me is unmatched. From my amazing parents, my adoring sisters (who are my true inspirations) my grandparents, my friends."To my Miss Wales sisterhood, the amazing Miss Wales 2020/2021 finalists, we have been through the most craziest of years but we have kept each other going and you have all been pivotal in my journey - I love you girls forever."She also paid tribute to Miss Wales organiser Paula Abbandonato for "believing in me, a shy 16-year-old, and giving me the opportunity two years ago to better myself".Olivia, who has turned 19 since beating 35 other contestants to land the Miss Wales crown at Newport’s Riverside Centre, will be competing alongside 102 of the world’s most beautiful women at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.She flew out from Heathrow to the Caribbean last week with Miss England, Rehema Muthamia, and said: "I am so excited to be representing Wales at the 70th anniversary of Miss World in Puerto Rico and promote Beauty With A Purpose."I was a finalist for two years after lockdown postponed last year’s competition."It’s all been worth the wait though and now it’s time to celebrate with women from across the world."It’s a dream come true."Pictures posted on the Miss Wales Facebook site show Olivia having a whale of a time in the Caribbean, doing shoots with the other contestants.The site posted: "Friends, memories and fun⦠an exceptional experience which money can’t buy. Olivia is having the best time at Miss World in Puerto Ricoâ¦"Showing a picture of her posing in a local alley in a Welsh folk dance dress, it added: "How cute does @miss.olivia.harris look in her costume for the ’Dances of the World’ show at Miss World?"Prior to jetting off, they posted another picture, saying: "How stunning does @miss.olivia.harris look in her official headshot for Miss World?"What’s more, she’s as lovely on the inside as she’s beautiful on the outside! Olivia flies to Puerto Rico to represent Wales at the 70th anniversary of Miss World⦠and we’re very confident that they are going to love her too."It added: "If you want to follow in the footsteps of the fabulous Olivia Harris, you need to apply now for Miss Wales 2022!"Interviews are taking place this month and next so head on over to our website and try your luck! Good things come to those who go out and make them happen!"Olivia has also thanked her sponsors Cardiff Diamonds, Jayne’s Boutique, @lafandental, Elegance Nails & Beauty in Chepstow, and Clear Water Financial solutions.