Tri-Service

Army Trojan Driver Goes Off The Beaten Track To Take On Miss World

She's trained to drive 62-tonne Trojan Armoured Vehicles through complex obstacles and conflict zones, but now she'll be swapping the battlefield terrain for the unfamiliar catwalk.

With the full support and backing of Army top brass including her Commanding Officer, Victoria Grinnall, 21, is now on her way to the finals of the next Miss Wales in 2016.

Royal Engineer @ToriGrin to compete in 2016 'Miss #Wales' Pageant Finals | via @WalesOnline https://t.co/bN1NoExVND pic.twitter.com/I5L8miV6JQ
— Major Laurence Roche (@ArmyPost) January 5, 2016

Victoria [pictured below with colleagues and a British Army Trojan from 26 Engineer Regiment], said: “I might be a solder but I like to be feminine too."

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Speaking to Wales Online the young sapper said:

“I enjoy dressing nicely, and like to have my hair and make-up done.

“That’s a very important side to my personality too and it’s a nice change from wearing uniform every day."

Victoria wanted to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather who was in the Royal Artillery.

“I absolutely love my job. The social side is fantastic and I like to be physically fit which is really important in the role.”

Born in Newport, South Wales, Victoria is up against 49 other hopefuls vying for the Miss Wales title in April.

“The great thing about the army is that they support you every step of the way,” she said.

“I’m encouraged to go for what’s important to me by my superiors. My troop commander is a woman and she thinks it’s a great idea.

Victoria described the men in her regiment as “100 brothers”.

Miss Wales director Paula Abbandonato said: “Miss Wales is all about being a role model for young women. It is a real pleasure to have Victoria in the line-up for 2016 and I wish her the very best.”