A LAW student blessed with brains and beauty is in the running to win national recognition in a competition for ‘girls next door’.

Stephanie Baker, 20, a model originally from Stoke-on-Trent, has been studying law and criminology at the University of Chester since September.

At night, she has a part-time job working behind the bar at lapdancing club the Platinum Lounge and has experience modelling.

Now Stephanie is in the top 100 High Street Hunnies in men’s magazine FHM and has her sights set on the £10,000 winner’s prize money.

By sheer coincidence, Emma Phillips – a dancer at the Platinum Lounge – is also in the running.

Stephanie applied last year and then attended an audition in Manchester at which she had to fill out a questionnaire.

Stephanie explained her peculiar mix of careers.

She said: “I can’t really rely on the modelling.

“I do really love the university. I love learning but obviously the modelling is quite fun as well.

“I’m hoping that. if I was to win, I would gain awareness for the MS Society because it is very close to my heart as family have had multiple sclerosis.

“I have said if I was to win the cash prize, 25% would go to the charity.”