A SCHOOLGIRL who has raised thousands of pounds for charity has been crowned the winner of a beauty pageant.

Eddison Holmes, 15, from Blackburn, fought off competition from teenagers across the UK to take home the Miss Junior Teen Great Britain crown.

The teenager finished in the top eight in last year’s competition but secured victory this year in the finals held at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool.

And the judges were left impressed by Eddison’s stage presence and bubbly personality, while she also raised £950 for children’s charity Together for Short Lives.

Eddison, who attends Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, said: “There were three rounds in the final, including the interview section, fashion wear and evening wear.

“I was just shocked when I found out I had won and I’m very excited now.”

Her victory has seen Eddison take home a prize package including £500 cash, a £500 voucher to spend at The Dress Studio, a photoshoot and introduction to the EKA modelling agency, hair products from Duncan Fisher, earrings from Earring Envy, personalised goodies from Colour Me Pretty and several other prizes.

Together for Short Lives is the leading UK charity for the 49,000 children living with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

The charity aims to ensure that no child or family is ever left behind when it comes to getting access to vital care and support.

Last year, all the contestants raised £42,000 for the charity from the competition and in the past Eddison has taken part in various other charity events.

In the past Eddison has taken part in Burnley’s Race for Life and a group colour run in Manchester.

She now intends to use her title as a platform to raise awareness for young people’s mental health and to support charities including Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley.

She added: “There is a real stigma about mental health and I’d like to use my platform to raise awareness.”