Model and former beauty queen Amy Willerton will take part in a transatlantic yacht race organised by Hampshire yachting legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, it has been revealed.

The former Miss Universe UK winner and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here contestant will race 3,350 nautical miles from New York to London despite having no previous sailing experience.

Willerton, 23, will join the crew of one of the twelve 70ft yachts competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a race around the globe for amateur sailors.

She said: "This is probably the hardest thing I've done, both physically and mentally and there is so much to learn and to be aware of, but that's what makes it more exciting.

"Most people just see a girly girl in front of a camera but I'm a real tomboy at heart and I can't wait to get stuck into this challenge.

"Being on the Clipper Race is a huge responsibility and it's made me grow up a lot.

"The team skills I was lacking when I did I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here have been realised since learning to sail.

"The danger is very real and making mistakes or being lazy can be catastrophic.

"I am now based in the US and work a lot in New York so sailing home to London means a lot to me.

"I've made the trip many times by air but ever in my wildest imagination would I have thought I would ever sail all that way."

Willerton has spent the last four weeks training for her part in the race, setting off in June, in Sydney, Australia.

In contrast to her glamorous LA lifestyle, she will have to sleep in a small bunk and share the cramped living space with up to 23 other crewmates.

The leg from New York to London is the final stage of the 2015-16 Clipper Race.

The event was founded by Gosport's Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, 76, who in 1969 became the first person ever to sail solo non-stop around the world.

He added: "It is great that Amy has decided to go beyond her comfort zone and join the Clipper Race.

"Amy really impressed our training team in Australia and I have no doubt she will put everything into the experience and be a worthy crew member. I wish Amy all the best of luck."