A BRAVE teenager who watched her step-father die in front of her, was bullied at school and is her mother’s carer is hoping to win a national beauty contest.

Esme Phillips has already been crowned Miss Junior Teen Tyne and Wear and is now preparing for the Miss Junior Teen Great Britain 2014 contest in Blackpool next month (August 28-29).

The 13-year-old has endured a tough start to life.

In 2008, her step-father Glenn suffered a major blood clot and died while playing with her in the family home, in Hebburn, South Tyneside. He was just 36.

She was targeted by bullies at primary school in Gateshead – suffering a cracked rib and pelvis after being pushed off some playground equipment.

Esme is also primary carer for her mother, Emma-Jane, who has severe arthritis which often leaves her unable to move.

Despite all that, she is a talented dancer and actress and gives up her spare time to feed the homeless at a Salvation Army soup kitchen.

“If you don’t help other people, they aren’t going to help you when you need it,” she said.

And she is full of confidence, partly thanks to her move two years ago to Durham High School for Girls.

She entered Miss Junior Teen on the advice of her mother, who recommended it despite her feminist principles, and qualified for the national final following a regional stage in May.

The two-day final, across August 28 and 29, will include fun activities, photo shoots, a pyjama party and catwalk modelling.

“I don’t think I’ll win because I’m sure there will be other girls who have more experience and are prettier than me.

“But it will be really fun,” she said.

“I wouldn’t have entered before, I would have worried about being teased.”

“I think she’ll be the prettiest there,” her mother added.

“She’ll always win as far as I’m concerned.”

To support Esme with the cost of competing in the Miss Junior Teen Great Britain final, email emmajane.phillips@gmail.com