A 12-year-old girl from Rishton is delighted after making it to the final of Miss Teen Great Britain.
Ella-Jean Maclean, who attends Westholme School in Blackburn, beat hundreds of people to secure her spot in the final of the competition, which will take place next month.
Ella-Jean was nominated by a family member and was not aware of being entered into the competition until she was notified to say she had reached the semi-finals.
Mum, Kerry Maclean, said: “We are extremely proud of her and know even if she does not win, she has done amazingly well to get to this stage.
“We weren’t expecting it, as we have never done anything like this before. She is mad about drama and performing arts - and has also just signed with an agent.
“I thought it would be a great thing for her and I hope it will be great for her self-confidence.
“When she heard the good news, she was ecstatic. I think she is nervous but really happy.”
To progress in the competition, Ella-Jean had to fill in a questionnaire about herself, conduct an interview and speak to a panel of people.
Kerry said: “It’s a lovely, girly event, they get to wear all of the beautiful dresses and they make a whole weekend out of it before the show, including a training workshop and a party.”
Over the coming weeks, Ella-Jean, who, dreams of becoming an actress, will be raising funds for cancer charities. Kerry has set up an online fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.
It’s a topic close to Ella-Jean, who lost her uncle to bowel cancer. Her grandmother is also battling blood cancer.
Kerry said: “She has been raising funds for cancer charities. We recently ran a Tough Mudder race to raise funds. She also sells items, which I buy for her, for profit. These profits then go to charity.
“Just being part of the competition raises awareness for the cancer charities she is promoting, which is great.”
To donate to Ella-Jean’s fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com and search ‘Ella-jeans fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support’.
Share