A YOUNGSTER scarred by an exploding aerosol can is working to show others beauty is only skin deep after overcoming her battle with self confidence.

Emily Owen from Shildon in County Durham was left permanently scarred when a child threw an aerosol can into an allotment bonfire, she was visiting in 2015.

The then nine-year-old tried to protect the child behind her and was struck in the face by the can travelling at 150mph.

She said: “When it first happened I was screaming I just couldn’t look at myself but I want to show people it doesn’t make you any less of a person.

"If you’ve got a scar it's part of who you are and it’s what’s on the inside that counts."

Emily was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough following the incident where she was operated on by a plastic surgeon.

Medical staff said Emily was very lucky as if it had hit her an inch higher the can would have taken one of her eyes out.

Her mother Nicola Owen said the day unfolded like a TV show, she couldn’t believe what had happened and was worried for Emily as knew she had a long road ahead of her.

Three years on however, Emily hasn’t let her injuries hold her back and along with support from her parents has raised £7,000 for charity and encouraged others to embrace their differences.

The St John's Catholic School pupil is an ambassador for Changing Faces, a charity providing advice and support to those with a visible difference – which includes a mark, scar or condition.

Emily uses the platform to spread awareness and recently spoke in parliament on Face Equality Day about issues surrounding bullying those with facial differences in schools.

Her mother Mrs Owen said: “When it happened, we went through every emotion, we were absolutely heartbroken. We even had to take the mirrors away because Emily didn’t want to look at herself.

“It took time, but she’s really gotten her confidence back and we are so incredibly proud of her and all the work she is doing.”

In the future, Emily plans to continue raising money and is hoping to take part in a charity parachute jump with her father next year.

She also has a large YouTube following and is helping others embrace their scars with encouraging videos.

The channel she shares with her friend first gained popularity after she posted a video showing others how to conceal their scars.

Emily received hundreds of positive comments and has since been approached by other brands to review their makeup.