KINGSMEAD teenager Smriti Sivakumar is bidding for Miss Junior Teen success after winning a place in the final of the competition.

The 15-year-old will be bidding for the top prize at the final at The Globe Theatre at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in October.

Teenagers from across the country will be competing for the title of Miss Junior Teen Great Britain 2016.

“I am so excited to have made it to the final,” said Smriti, who is in year nine at Hartford High School.

“I am grateful to my parents and friends, who have motivated me all the way to go for this crown.

“Making it to the final has been a dream come true for me, and I am proud to be able to represent Northwich.”

Smriti’s parents Shiva and Lalita said: “We are really proud of our daughter in having progressed so far in the pageant, and being only a step away from winning the crown.”

The winner will receive a crown and sash, £500, £500 worth of dresses from The Dress Studio at Warrington, a vanity bag and a girls’ trip to Plas Colwyn Holiday Home.

The finalists will be judged in three sections – fashion wear, interview and evening wear, and can gain up to five bonus points to their overall score.

The girl with the most public appearances will win the Miss Junior Teen Publicity award, and Smriti is seeking support from businesses in her bid to make public appearances in return for charity work.

She has also started to raise funds for UK charity Together for Short Lives, which supports children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

If she raises the greatest total for the charity she will win the Miss Junior Teen Charity award.

Her online donation page is justgiving.com/Smriti-Sivakumar, and she has raised £90 towards her £500 target.

She is taking part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life at Delamere Forest on May 15.

Smriti has received a Miss Junior Teen Northwich 2016 sash, which she will be wearing at her public appearances and the final at Blackpool on October 22 and 23.