Laura McNabb, (15), who is currently studying for her GCSEs, is the only Northern Ireland contestant in her category who has reached the November heat of the beauty pageant.

The Portadown girl entered the competition in September and after being shortlisted, the teenager attended a professional photoshoot in London and was one of 33 contestants out of 100 entrants to be chosen to represent the competition.

However, she must receive enough public votes to make it to the top three if she wants to attend the final in July next year.

Laura, who lives at Gilford Road, is now encouraging local people to support her ambition to become Miss Teen Queen UK 2009 by texting or phoning their votes before November 30.

Already she has garnered the support of her classmates and her family, in particular her 12-year-old twin sisters Ruth and Carrie.

"My sisters have been great and so have all my friends – they've all been campaigning on my behalf," Laura laughed.

But she admits it's difficult for her not to check how many votes she has received on the Miss Teen Queen UK website. "It's hard to stay away from the computer but I'm trying my best not too," she added.

DESIRE

When the Portadown Times went to press, Laura had 292 votes and was in seventh place, but the senior high school prefect says the experience has given her desire to pursue a modelling career when she finishes her education.

"I loved doing the photoshoot and I took to it pretty easily and I really enjoyed it, but I'm interested in doing child care when I finish school so I might try to do modelling part-time."

The teenager was also inspired to enter the beauty competition, which was launched in 2006, after reading in a magazine the story of a girl who was bullied and decided to enter the Teen Queen UK competition to prove her detractors wrong.

"I was bullied at the age of 14 in school and I was inspired by her story and thought I could do what she has done.

"So I entered the competition and I hope it shows that other girls who have been bullied that they can do the same."

If Laura is successful in her bid to reach the final and is crowned Miss Teen Queen UK 2009, she can expect to represent the UK at the Miss Teen World pageant in America.

She will also be signed to top modelling agency Rage Models and earn the chance to model for a number of fashion and beauty brands such as Glitter Girls Boutique, Uber and Chill.

"I really enjoy being a part of the competition and I hope I get enough votes to reach the top three and get through to the final," she said.

support

If you wish to show your support and help Laura reach the Miss Teen Queen UK final, you can vote by texting Laura McNabb to 84205 or phone 09016561515 and select number 19. Texts and calls cost 60p each plus standard network rate. For further details, or to check Laura's progress, visit: www.teenqueenuk.com.