A 16-YEAR-OLD from Bradford is hoping to secure sponsorship to allow her to compete in the finals of the Miss Teen Great Britain beauty pageant.

Melissa Milner, who attends Fulneck School in Pudsey, has been told by the organisers that she will be able to represent Bradford in the Blackpool finals on October 21 and 22, if a sponsor covers the rest of her costs for the competition.

Explaining how the final unfolds, Melissa said: "We just go down to get to know the other girls on the first day and then the main competition, where we get dressed up in evening gowns etc, is on the second day.

"It's really exciting to get the chance to possibly represent Bradford. I entered but I didn't expect to get anything from it.

"It's my first time doing anything like this but it has inspired me to possibly do more beauty pageants in the future. I could also use this on my CV."

Melissa praised Miss Teen Great Britain for their tireless charity work, saying: "The girls all raise money for Together for Short Lives, which is a charity for children with life-threatening illnesses.

"It is chosen by the organisers and they have raised over £73,000 for it since this competition started."

To get in touch with Melissa about sponsorship, call her on 07710508495 or send her an email at Melissamilner2000@gmail.com