Halstead's May Queen is in the semi-finals to be crowned Miss Teen Great Britain.

Annie Barter, 16, got an email about the competition and sent off her entry.

She was surprised when she received the news she had got through to the semi-finals.

She said: “I get emails about auditions that are happening and this one cropped up.

“I thought I would give it a go.

“I haven’t done anything like this before, although I was May Queen for the town’s May Day celebrations last year.

“It’s all good fun.”

The prize for the winner includes £1,000, £500 worth of dresses and the opportunities for modelling and TV contracts.

The competition identifies itself specifically not just a beauty contest, but as a positive and confidence boosting experience for young talented girls.

Annie, who is studying at the College at Braintree, said: “We had to fill in a form about what we would do with the money.

“The judging is not just on the photos, but is more about your personality.

“I’m not exactly the most confident person so I have been looking at the other girls’ photos.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m ugly because that is not a good attitude to have, but they are all stunning.

“I’m pleased I have got this far.”

Annie, who would like to enter Miss Universe when she is older, is planning to take part in bake sales and fun runs to raise money for the competition’s charity, Together for Short Lives, which supports children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families.

As well as being chosen by the judges to get through the , the person whose photo gets the most support will also get through to the finals.

To vote for Annie, search Facebook for “Miss Teen Great Britain”, like the page and then like her photo, which was posted on January 22.

Voting ends on July 1.