AN animal mad student is vying to become Miss Lancashire – after entering the contest on a whim.

Danielle Hunt, who has five dogs, three horses and a cockatiel, studies counselling and psychotherapy as well as working at the University of Central Lancashire.

But when the former St Wilfrid’s pupil is not studying or at work, she’s mucking out her horses, walking the dogs or chatting to her feathered friend.

Danielle says she has to be very organised to look after her Bichon Frise, four Chihuahuas, a bird and her three horses.

She said: “I love my animals but it can be tough taking our five dogs for a walk.

“I must spend about three hours a day cleaning out the horses and taking care of them all.

“I have to balance everything and I have a spreadsheet on my laptop to make sure I’m keeping track of everything.

The 24-year-old from Blackburn signed up for the competition on a whim – and couldn’t believe her luck when she made it to the finals in January.

The wannabe beauty queen says she has always wanted to help people and sees herself becoming a motivational speaker and setting up her own counselling business.

She added: “The whole experience has been quite surreal to be honest.

“I hadn’t heard of the competition before entering it but I found out there’s a really good, valid reason behind it and I am doing it for a purpose to help raise money for disadvantaged children."

Danielle is not the only Blackburn beauty to make it this far in the competition.

Trainee teacher Aysha Khan hopes to become the first Asian winner of Miss Lancashire.

The 20-year-old from Blackburn is one of only two Asian woman in the group of 36 finalists this year.

The finals for the competition are to be held at the Preston Playhouse theatre on January 20.

Danielle is raising money for the Children’s charity Variety.

To sponsor her go to www.gf.me/u/nqudhf