A TEENAGER is hoping to win a national competition to be crowned 'Miss Junior Teen Great Britain'.

Olivia Hardy, from Darlington, has been selected as a semi-finalist in the competition due to be decided next year.

The organisers say the event is not a beauty pageant, and instead designed to empower teens.

The 13-year-old took a punt on the competition and submitted a selection of photos to the organisation after being encouraged my her mum Lisa.

The Northern Echo:

"Olivia didn't have a good start in secondary school," Lisa said. "She faced a lot of challenges through bullying and she lacked confidence in her social life but she got through and overcame it all.

"Entering this kind of competition was to build her confidence and have some fun.

"Olivia's always liked her photos taken and people have said we should get her into modelling but we have never known where to look for it.

"This is a perfect opportunity for people and really helps people with their confidence."

The winner of Miss Teen Great Britain will receive a prize package including £500. 

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