A MOTHER who has been criticised for ‘sexualising’ her seven-year-old daughter by spending thousands of pounds on make-up, fake tan and clothes has earned the title of Best Parent.

Jenna Eastland, of Newton Aycliffe, has controversy over her drive to help daughter Layla Thompson realise her dream of becoming famous.

However, the mother-of-three is now celebrating after being handed a ‘Best Parent award at an international pageant.

The 31-year-old received the accolade during a trip to India this month with little Layla, whose stage name is Layla Belle.

Ms Eastland said while it was “nice” to receive the award, it had not had any impact on her view of her parenting.

“I don’t feel like I need approval,” she added. “It doesn’t matter what happens, I’ll do what I want to do regardless of what anybody thinks, as long as my children are happy”

The mother-of-three won the title at the Junior Model International in Kochi, India, this month.

Layla and Ms Eastland were in the country for a week for a programme of competitions.

The youngster spent several days rehearsing for choreographed catwalks and dances while competing for crowns in a range of categories.

Among the awards received by Layla was Face of Junior Model International 2017, Best Gown, Princess of Europe and Best National Dress.

It was in the latter that Ms Eastland caught the attention of the judges, having made her daughter a Union Jack frock and matching shoes in a bid to show off their home nation.

And it was her work to produce a table spread of items that represented Britain that secured the name of Best Parent.

“It was nice to receive the award because a lot of hard work went in for us both to get there,” she said.

Ms Eastland said home-schooled Layla was the first to compete for England in the overseas contest after being scouted by organisers - allowing her to skip the long audition process.

The proud mum added: “To be honest she did find this week tough - in a different country, different culture and a lot of hard work.

“International pageants are like what the best of the best do and this is only Layla’s fourth ever pageant but she tried her best and gave it 100 per cent.

“No other kid I know her age would travel to India and make it through this week.

“She really did make the UK proud. She did me proud and she will keep working hard as always. She’s my little queen.”

Last month Layla won the title of Mini Miss British Empire 2017 after competing in a pageant in Buckinghamshire.

Next up on the pair’s agenda are a pageant and dance competitions in Blackpool in pctober and November.