A TEENAGER is hoping the backing of a veterinary clinic and a security business can help her succeed in the finals of a national beaury pageant.

The 14-year-old  has been crowned Miss Junior Teen Darlington - and is now through to the grand final at The Globe Theatre in Blackpool this October.

Megan Reece, from Darlington, knows all too well that it takes more than looks to be given such a prestigious title - each girl must raise money for charity too.

So far Megan has raised funds for children’s hospices by taking part in a 99,000 step challenge for Together For Short Lives, a charity for children undergoing palliative care.

The beauty queen also helped out at a charity event raising money for cystic fibrosis charities at The Manor House Hotel in West Auckland last Saturday (June 25) by running a ‘guess the name of the bear’ stall and a ‘guess how many sweets in the jar’ stall.

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Megan's mother, Louise Craggs, said: “Megan’s a happy girl and she loves animals.

"She applied online for the pageant and didn’t think anything would come of it.

"We didn’t know anything of it until she got through to the next stage and she came flying down the stairs to tell us and then she ended up getting through to the final.”

Each girl competing also needs sponsors and as Louise pointed out, usually these sponsors include hair/beauty salons and occasion wear retailers.

Megan is doing things a little differently though as her sponsors are Sparta Security and Darlington Vet Clinic.

Louise said: “I know a vet clinic and a security business perhaps aren’t the most glamorous sponsors she could have had - but it’s real.

"We know Francis Jones from Sparta Security because he’s always bringing in injured pigeons and hurt animals so when we aske him he said yes straight away.”

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Megan has aspirations of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a veterinary nurse but would also like to dabble in the world of modelling.

Louise said: “She loves the glamourous side of things, the hair, the makeup, the gorgeous dresses.”

Megan is also available to make guest appearances at events including business’ launch days/ribbon cutting.

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