It's the first time online voting by the public has been used in the pageant and Judith hopes that people here will log on to back her and help give her a real chance of taking the crown.

The winner of the online vote is automatically through to the final top 16 and in with a chance of being the next Miss World.

Speaking from South Africa where she is enjoying seeing the sights, Judith said she was really up for the competition and was counting on local support to bring her up the rankings.

The Co Fermanagh model said she was proud to have got this far.

"I'm very excited to be representing Northern Ireland in Johannesburg," she said.

"I'm not a politician or great sports personality, so it really is an honour.

"I'm in good spirits as I head to a 10-day safari with the rest of the girls."

Judith is also hoping that other people around the world also rally behind her, particularly Northern Ireland people living and working abroad.

She's also trying to get into the top 16 through two other avenues.

She will give a presentation on the charity work that she has done for the Spirit of Enniskillen and the Northern Ireland Hospice and will also enter the talent competition.

The secondary school music teacher will sing You Lift Me Up in the hope that the judges will put her in the top bracket.

She is currently working full-time as a model with the Alison Campbell Agency after taking a break from teaching and concentrating on her work as Miss NI.

Her assault on the crown is a concerted Northern Ireland effort with her wardrobe supplied by local company Posh Frocks based on Belfast's Lisburn Road.

Ms Campbell said she was one of the best Miss Northern Irelands ever and was in with a strong chance of becoming Miss World.

"She's absolutely amazing. From the minute she won Miss Northern Ireland she has taken it all in her stride and has done so well," she said.

The agency boss said Judith was much more than a pretty face.

"She's just lovely – beautiful on the inside as well as the outside," she said.

She said everyone should get online and vote for the Ballinamallard girl.

"Everyone should try and vote for her – she's got a real chance. I hope the public gets behind her," she said.

The Miss World final is on December 13 and will be screened on digital channel Living TV.

To vote for Judith log on to the Miss World site at www.missworld.com