A TROWBRIDGE teenager has made it through to the national finals of the Miss Teen Great Britain pageant.

Former Clarendon Academy pupil Destinie-Mae Greenland, 18, will represent Wiltshire at the finals in October.

The B&Q team leader in Trowbridge decided to enter the competition despite never having modelled before.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to get through to the national finals. My boyfriend David Lunn is very excited and so is my mum.”

Miss Greenland’s decision to enter the competition was made late at night on the spur of the moment.

She said: “I am so excited. I but never expected to get this far.”

Miss Greenland, of Aldeburgh Place, Trowbridge, left school at 16 and has worked full-time for B&Q since June last year. She is now part of the store’s management team.

The national finals of the Miss Teen Great Britain pageant for girls aged 16-19 will take place at the Globe Theatre in Blackpool on October 26 and 27.

The national finals for the Little Miss Teen Great Britain pageant for girls aged 10-12, and the Miss Junior Teen Great Britain pageant for girls aged 13-15 will be held on October 24 and 25.

Miss Greenland will be competing against 60 other contestants for a £1,000 cash prize and a photo shoot with the EKB Modelling Agency which could potentially lead to lucrative modelling contracts.

She added: "There will be an interview, a fashion section and evening wear."

Before the national finals, Miss Greenland will undergo training with former pageant contestant Hannah Golding of Sparkles and Rhinestones in Swindon.

“She will be giving me help with the interview, which is 50 per cent of the marks, as well as confidence-building and deportment,” she explained.

Miss Greenland plans to run the equivalent of a marathon for Together for Short Lives, the leading UK charity which helps seriously-ill children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and all those who support, love and care for them.

She has already beaten her £600 target by raising £630 from 25 supporters.

Miss Greenland said: “They support families, professionals and services, including hospices.

"Their work helps to ensure that children can get the best possible care, wherever and whenever they need it.”

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinie-greenland