Trivia

Karol's beauty and carnival Queen titles included miss UKC 1983, Aqua Lovely Princess 1985, Miss Folkestone 1986, Miss Sealink 1986/7, Miss 94 Regiment 1887/8, Miss Kent Gunners 1987/8, Miss Cheriton 1988, Allington Deputy Snow Queen 1988/9, Miss Essex Personality of the Year 1989, Kent and Sussex Deputy Princess 1990/1.

Karol's photography awards include second place in The History Channel's 2000 Photos for the Future contest; a prize in Channel 4's 2001 Snapshot of Britain contest; second and third place in the 2003 Natural History Photographers of Kent contest; third place in the KOS Media SeaBritain 2005 competition; third place in the Kent Downs AONB Photography Competition 2006; winner of the 2006 KM Postcard of Whitstable contest; winner of the 2007 KM Picture Whitstable contest; second place in the KM 2009 Picture Sandwich Photo contest; second and third place in The 2010 Visit Kent Snowy Kent contest; two first places, a second place and a third place in the four categories of the Folkestone TCM's 2011 Photographic Contest; and first place in the Visitors' Vote during the Year in the Life of Canterbury Exhibition.

Karol has formal training in Ballroom and Latin-American dancing, having gained a NATD National Award in both dance styles. She also has training in tap and ballet.

Mother, with Andy Steele, of son Ben Ryan-Steele.