Could teen dream come true?

The 18-year-old, from Poulton, is through to the semi-finals of the Miss Teen Great Britain competition – and is hoping Fylde coast residents will support her.

It’s the final year, given the age range the contest is open to, Ashleigh can take part in the pageant.

She scooped the title of Miss Junior Fylde Coast in 2013 and says adding the Miss Teen GB crown would be a dream come true.

She said: “I am so thrilled to get through to the semi-finals of the competition.

“I want to show people if you have the drive and determination to do well, you will succeed and that you should always pursue to achieve your dreams – I have wanted to do the pageant for some time now.

“I entered it for the last three years, but there was always something else going on which kept me busy, like exams and so on, so I didn’t have time to do it.

“Because of my age, this is the last year I can do it. This year, I was determined.

“I’m really excited about it and about being through to the semi-final.

“It would be amazing to get through to the final, as it takes place on the Fylde coast. It will be held at Village hotel, in Blackpool, in October.

“If I got through to the final, I would love to get involved in the charity work, doing public appearances and raising awareness of good causes and issues, such as mental health.”

Blackpool Sixth Form student Ashleigh, who hopes to study law at university and go on to become a solicitor, said: “Beauty pageants are not just about dresses and tiaras and I hope to raise awareness of that.

“I remember three years ago, meeting some great people and I am still good friends with them now.

“It’s a shame there is that stereotype about these competitions, because they are about doing things for the community and meeting different people.

“They really help to boost confidence too.

“From competing in Miss Teen GB, I expect to gain confidence, friendship and a great experience – I am privileged to be apart of such a highly-respected pageant.”

In her spare time, Ashleigh enjoys keeping fit by going the gym, she also has a part-time job at a restaurant and likes spending time with family and friends.

She recently signed up to take part in a Tough Mudder race on May 21, in the Midlands, to raise money for Together For Short Lives, the charity support by the pageant.

Ashleigh said: “I’m hoping to raise awareness and money for this amazing charity and taking donations through my page www.justgiving.com/ashleighwildMTGB.”

The judges will now decide on the finalists by viewing photographs of the contestants and reading through a questionnaire style interview with each of them.

Girls can also boost their chances of getting through to the final, by getting public votes on the Miss Teen GB Facebook page.

Ashleigh is hoping Fylde coast residents will support her by visiting www.facebook.com/MissTeenGreatBritain or http://tinyurl.com/jy2rk26