A TEEN from Northwich is in dreamland after winning a place in the final of a national beauty competition.
Meenaxi Aravinthan is the only competitor from Cheshire to make the final of Miss Teen Great Britain.
As a result, the 16-year-old now has the honour of carrying the title 'Miss Teen Cheshire' until the final takes place in Blackpool on October 16/17.
Meenaxi's father Avi said he was super-proud of his daughter's achievement, beating out a host of other contenders to make the final.
"I'm so proud of her for what she's done," he said.
"She is the only girl selected across the whole of Cheshire for the final.
"I am also very grateful for all the support she has had locally, including from Nagendra and Monika from Kanya and K2H Indian Kitchen for sponsoring her."
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.
As part of her role as Miss Teen Cheshire, Meenaxi is also raising money for her chosen charity - Together for Short Lives.
The charity aims to help every child and family living with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition by getting the very best care and support they can so they can make the most of every moment together.
Meenaxi said: “I am so excited to have made it to the final, it is a great achievement.
"I believe it can show many other young women out there that confidence is a key part of life.
"It is a dream come true and I can't wait to represent my hometown and win the Miss Teen Great Britain crown.
"This not just about winning on beauty as we all judge beauty in different ways.
"It should be about the whole person, their thoughts and their personality."
Nagendra Kumar Prasad, who runs Kanya Bistro and K2H Creative Indian Kitchen with his business partner Monika, said he was more than happy to offer support.
"Both Monika and I are very proud to be sponsoring Meenaxi," he said.
"It's an amazing achievement by her getting to the final.
"We wish her every success in October and are only too happy to help in any way we can."
Since 2012, Miss Teen Great Britain, and the other events that Pageant Girl organises, have raised more than £500,000 for its chosen charities.
Meenaxi's Just Giving page can be found HERE. (Print: justgiving.com/fundraising/Meenaxi-Aravinthan1)
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