MISS YORK Anastasia Smith has been preparing for a Miss England boot camp next week by taking up Thai boxing.

The boot camp on Monday will be an army style training day, which has replaced the swimwear round of the beauty contest and tests contestants’ fitness, with the winner going straight through to the last 20.

Anastasia, 20, from Norton, who has suffered from asthma since childhood, said Thai boxing was an excellent way of getting fit with the illness, and also getting rid of any stress or aggression.

She has been given training by Suzie Riley, a personal trainer provided by Roko gym on Clifton Moor.

Naomi Smith, a former Miss England runner-up and Miss York who organised this year’s Miss York contest which Anastasia won last month, said: “The boot camp round is a fantastic way to promote healthy living and maintaining an active lifestyle. It’s not about being stick-thin or incredibly fit, but about being healthy. Anastasia has been working hard to prepare for this round and I am sure that this will pay off.

“It will be difficult, but I know Anastasia will tackle it head on like she does everything.”

Meanwhile, York-based train operator Grand Central has stepped in to ensure Anastasia can travel to her numerous Miss England duties in London in comfort by sponsoring her rail travel.

She said the “kind gesture” would help her reduce her carbon footprint, which was important, as she would be making plenty of journeys to and from London.

“It also means I can relax more and keep up with my emails.”

Anastasia revealed she is planning to do six jobs in six days at various businesses in York next month, wearing her crown and sash, with her wages all going to the Miss England charity, the Variety Club which supports children with disabilities.