Elle's teen beauty mission

The 16-year-old, from Fleetwood, is through to the grand final of the regional beauty pageant, which takes place at The Sands, Blackpool, on Sunday, February 28.

She said: “It’s really nice getting through to the final.

“I did the Miss Fylde Coast competition last year, but I was doing my GCSE’s at that time, so I didn’t really get much time to spend on it.

“But I did really enjoy the experience. Everyone was so nice, I made friends with all the girls and we just got on really well. We still go out for tea and things now.

“I really enjoy everything about the competitions, I love doing the charity work.”

As part of her fundraising for the competition, Elle has organised a band night, taking place at the Cube Bar, Poulton, on February 11.

The event will start from 7pm until 10pm and will feature various singers and bands throughout the night.

There will also be a raffle.

Elle – who is studying biology, chemistry, statistics and classic civilisations at Blackpool Sixth Form College – said: “I’ve always wanted to organise a big event and with being at college, there’s quite a few bands, so I thought a band night would be a good idea.

“It will be raising money for the Variety Children’s Club, the chosen charity of Miss Junior North West.”

As well as studying and preparing for the contest, Elle keeps herself busy working towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, she also works part-time at a Chinese take-away and she volunteers for the Homeless Hounds dog charity.

She spends her free time looking after her horse, Rummy. She said: “I want to be an equine vet eventually.

“I have been horse-riding since I was about six and I got my own horse last year.”

To support Elle and her fundraising, tickets for the band night can be bought from the Cube, or search on Facebook for Elle Hewitt Junior Miss North West 2016 Finalist