BY NUALA MCALOON

With just three days left to the original and arguably the most popular global beauty pageant, the Miss World competition is certainly heating up for Ballinamallard girl Judith Wilson.

The Miss Northern Ireland model who has been in Johannesburg for the last month will learn her final fate in the contest this Saturday night, 13th December.

And with young women from every country competing in front of over a billion television viewers, Judith is sure to be feeling the pressure as judges determine which contestant has the winning combination of beauty, glamour, poise and intelligence - all part of the remit needed for the crown.

But for Judith, competing in the Miss World Final has always been an added bonus to attaining the coveted Miss Northern Ireland crown earlier this year. And so rather than be fazed by the experience, Judith has taken it all in her stride and is enjoying every minute of it.

Judith's mum Ingrid and stepfather Hamish Logan flew out to join her in Johannesburg on Sunday while her boyfriend Gareth Grey left on Monday.

Emotions were running high among many of the contestants as their families arrived before the final. The girls were allowed to meet their families and say hello but were not allowed to leave the hotel with them. Even on afternoons off ahead of rehearsals the contestants were not allowed to leave their hotel rooms due to security measures heightening as the event drew closer. However, Judith and her fellow contestants did have the opportunity to enjoy the families gala dinner on Monday night.

Ingrid and Hamish arrived in time to see Judith perform in the final stage of the talent show and throughout this week have also had the opportunity to participate in organised activities for the contestants families.

Despite reaching the final 15 of the 'Miss World Talent' contest, Judith didn't win the talent contest but according to Mum Ingrid, she put in a huge performance doing herself and her folks back home proud. This particular contest was staged in front of a large audience and was televised on South African television.

Earlier in the week, Judith participated in the competition's Sports Day and won the team event. She also competed in the 'Top Model' contest but with competition fierce didn't make the final.

To vote for Judith you can log on to www.MissWorld.com