BY NUALA MCALOON

After months of preparation, Ballinamallard beauty queen, Judith Wilson has just over a week left to find out whether or not she will be crowned 'Miss World 2008'.

Judith is already midway through her third week in Johannesburg, and for the music teacher who was crowned 'Miss Northern Ireland' earlier this year, so far it has been whirlwind of a trip packed with plenty of glitz and glamour, excitement and adventure.

After arriving in South Africa and settling in her Johannesburg location, Judith had the opportunity to attend a Welcome Ball which combined the 118 'Miss World' contestants for the first time.

This was followed by a safari trip that allowed her to explore the expansive city sights, while Nelson Bridge among other locations was chosen for the initial photographs and sight seeing.

Judith explained that everywhere the contestants had been, they have enjoyed plenty of dancing, music, drums and colourful decoration as the city was overjoyed to be hosting the contest and the Tourist board was doing its best to impress.

But, it has not all been about glamour contests however, for as the competition progressed in the last week, the organisers have become quite clever. So, rather than the lavish hotels, faultless service and designer dresses that the contestants have become accustomed to, it was back to basics for the contestants who retreated to self-catering mud huts, a lack of hair straighteners and wearing vests with combat trousers.

With the safari over, Judith and the girls made their way to Durban for the beach wear section. All of the contestants congregated once again and were occasionally taken from the groups to attend special events where a native of their country had been taking part in a sport or their country has been represented in another medium.

There was also the chance for Judith to practice for the 'Talent' part of the competition, so she sang 'You raise me up' for all of the contestants. The standard was very high, with some of the other girls singing or doing traditional native dances. Judith then got the opportunity to represent Europe for a Photo shoot.

With the competition reaching mid-point at the weekend, it was confirmed that 'Miss Mexico' is in the final, which leaves another 15 spaces available for the final evening on Saturday 13th December.

Judith says the atmosphere is now more relaxed, with camaraderie and good old-fashioned banter. It is a competition and she knows the girls are their to compete, but she said the Final had provided the 'once in a lifetime opportunity' to meet people from countries 'you will realistically never visit' and learn a little bit about their cultures.

Blessed with a quietly confident competitive side, Judith will be doing her best in the nest 10 days of the competition. Winning or even reaching the final 15 in this competition will be an added bonus.

You can vote for Judith by logging on to www.MissWorld.com