Doncaster's Jamie Leigh in Miss Teen GB semi final

Jamie Leigh Rees, aged 17, from Conisbrough is a step closer to the national title, and is raising money for charity in the process.

The health and social care student entered the contest to help boost her confidence and wants to use the experience to h elp other teenage girls with anxiety to be aware that their biggest dreams are possible.

She said: “I entered a beauty pageant earlier this year not expecting to get anywhere with it and I received an email saying I have been offered a place in the Miss Teen Great Britain Semi Final 2020.

“I entered to help boost my confidence and help other girls realise that anyone can do this regardless of what others think of you.

“A lot has changed for me mentally in a year and I am now ready to show everyone that has ever doubted me what I can do and achieve.

“As a pageant semi finalist I can’t wait to raise money for my chosen charity Mind and other charities such as Cancer Research.

“Mind is a charity close to my heart as next year I am hoping to go to universityand study mental health nursing.”

If Jamie Leigh gets through to the final of Miss Teen Great Britain she is required to find sponsorship of £350.

She said: “Making it to the 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.

Find out more about Jamie Leigh’s pageant journey, and get in touch with possible sponsorship via her Instagram account – Leighhjamieepageants or @mtgbjourney

Up for grabs in the competition are cash prizes, photo shoots, jewellery, hair products and much more.

Anybody interested in taking part in future events should visit the website missteengreatbritain.co.uk

A spokesman said: “Forget the pageant stereotype, this competition is a platform to celebrate teenagers, their achievements and their goals.

“This UK pageant is about empowering teens, having fun, making friends and incredible memories.”