A TEENAGER from the North-East is through to the semi-finals of a national beauty pageant.

Last year, Shakira Hannan, 14, from Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street was named as Miss Junior Teen County Durham.

Now, the youngster, who is home schooled, is hoping to win a place in the grand final in March.

As part of the competition, Shakira is raising money for the children’s charity, Together For Short Lives.

She already works a model and hopes to work in the beauty industry as a make-up artist when she is older.

Shakira is being sponsored by Ritual Beauty and Skin Centre in her home village.

She was entered by her mother, Andrea O’Neill, who said: “She made it to grand final last year, but was ill on the day so couldn't go.

“She is so happy to be back in the semi-finals and hopefully get through to grand final.”