A 16-YEAR-OLD from Northwich has beaten out competition from across the country to be named a semi-finalist of Miss Teen Great Britain.

Meenaxi Aravinthan is hoping to represent her hometown in the grand final which takes place later this year in Blackpool.

This pageant is all about empowering teenagers and celebrating their achievements, and the winner who takes the crown will walk away with a variety of prizes.

Meenaxi said: “This is my first pageant. I wanted to try something new and I thought that this would be a good way to socialise with others.

“I am so excited to have made it to the semi-final, it is a great achievement.

“I found out that I got a place in the semi-final a few weeks ago, which involves a questionnaire asking about how you are as a person.

“It would be a lot to me to get to the final as I believe it can show many other beautiful young women out there that confidence is a key part of life.

“I believe that this would increase my confidence.

“Making it to the grand final would be a dream come true – fingers crossed I will be able to represent my hometown and win the Miss Teen Great Britain crown.”

The weekend of the Miss Teen Great Britain final is set to be full of fun, with the finalists enjoying a beauty queen challenge day, a pyjama diva party and much more.

The winner will have a busy year ahead, with appearances, charity work and even possible modelling opportunities.

The pageant does not describe itself as a beauty contest, but rather a competition that ‘combines glamour and celebrating success and achievements’ in a ‘character-building experience of a lifetime’.

Since 2012, Miss Teen Great Britain, and the other events that Pageant Girl organises, have raised more than £500,000 for its chosen charities.

If you would like to find out more information about Miss Teen Great Britain, you can visit missteengreatbritain.co.uk.