Teenager Lauren Goldson has reached the semi-finals of a national beauty pageant and is hoping for enough support to reach the next stage.

The 14-year-old John Bentley pupil entered Teen Queen UK after seeing a Facebook post and was chosen by organisers to be photographed in London.

To make the final, she must come first or second out of 50 girls in her age group in an online vote.

Lauren, who moved to Calne in April, said she had some experience of modelling when she lived in Durban, South Africa, which helped when she travelled to London for the photoshoot.

She said: “When I went I thought ‘oh my word, this is nerve-racking’, but the photographers were really nice, which calmed me down.

“When I was in South Africa I did a little modelling course with my friend. Even though I was a little bit worried in London, I knew what I needed to do.”

The pageant runs two competitions – Miss Princess for girls aged 13-15 and Miss Queen for girls aged 16-19. By charging people to vote, the pageant raises money for The Mad Foundation, which develops community resources for people in poor countries.

The deadline for voting is Monday. To vote, text 81319 with the message TQ14 or call on 0900 596 1000 and enter the number 14. Votes cost 75p per text plus a network charge and 75p per call.