AN ACID attack victim is vowing to inspire others to not let a traumatic experience define their lives.

Sophie Hall, 23, from Poole, is competing in the opening rounds of the Miss England final today just 15 months after she was hit in the face by a corrosive substance in a London nightclub.

She was awarded a place in the final after channelling her experience during the semi-finals.

With the theme of making an eco dress on something fashionable over the last 40 years, Ms Hall used newspaper cuttings from acid attacks to highlight the increasing number of incidents.

"I wanted to do something to raise awareness," she said.

"In a perverse way acid attacks have become fashionable in the last 40 years with them increasing.

"I was the only girl who thought outside the box and it is a big part of my life. I think it took a lot of people by surprise when I explained the message behind the dress.

"I'm just really proud of what I have done already. To get to the final is a big achievement."

Ms Hall, who holds the title of Miss Bournemouth, will take part in various rounds at the finals including a general knowledge quiz and sporting challenge, alongside awards for social media presence and charity work.

"I have had so many messages of support from people saying they love what I am doing and that I am an inspiration to others. It is a real positive," she added.

"Throughout the competition I have really surprised myself, just getting over small hurdles is rewarding."

"At first I had no self-confidence. The competition has taught me so much because there are so many different rounds you take part in.

"It has really helped me talking in front of audiences about the whole situation. Last year on television I was a state. Now I have much more self-confidence."

After her ordeal at Mangle E8 in Dalston in April 2017, Ms Hall required 24-hour care.

She was not allowed outside for six weeks and admitted the incident had a big impact on her self confidence.

Ms Hall said she hopes her participation in the competition will help others to cope.

She said: "I don't want to be known as the acid attack victim, I want to be known positively for inspiring other people.

"Hopefully it has proved to others you can still go on to achieve things if you have the right mindset. The most important part is to believe in yourself."