Ashfield's 'Miss Teen East Midlands' sets sights on GB crown

Sienna Townsend, aged 16, competed against hundreds of teenagers to secure her place in the final of the Miss Teen Great Britain competition.

She will now go head-to-head with more than 70 other teenagers aged 16-19 for the overall title in Blackpool next month.

Sienna, from Sutton, said: “I am so excited to have made it to the final, it is a great achievement, as there were so many gorgeous semi-finalists.

“Teenagers like me from across the country will compete for the crown in a spectacular grand final.

“I joined the pageant because I wanted to build my confidence and inspire other young girls to believe in themselves.

“Beauty comes from within, that is important to remember too.”

Sienna, who is being supported by local businesses including Team Prom, of Sutton, and JB Studios, of Kirkby, is aiming to support a charity as well as she bids for the national title.

She said: “I want to raise awareness of the charity Together for Short Lives.

“It is an amazing charity supporting children with life-limiting illnesses and life-threatening conditions in the UK.

“It helps their families to have as fulfilling lives as possible, as well as get the best care for the children at the end of their lives.

“It would mean the world to me for people to support this charity.

“It is a cause close to my heart, as there is a child in our family with complex needs who I care for.

“I would be grateful for any support with my fundraising efforts.”

To support the charity, see justgiving.com/fundraising/missteeneastmidlands

Sienna said: “It would mean the world if you could please donate.”

Mary Townsend, Sienna’s mother, said: “I am so proud of Sienna, since the day she was born.

"She has always been so kind, caring and puts others before herself.

“All our family is so supportive of her achievements, both as Miss Teen East Midlands and now with her Miss Teen Great Britain contest.”

The grand final of Miss Teen Great Britain – which says it wants entrants to ‘make friends, build confidence, make memories’ – will be held on October 17, at The Globe Theatre at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.