Student reaches finals of pageant content (News piece for The Herald)

Words originally for Plymouth daily newspaper The Herald, completed on a week of work experience in December, yet to be published.

A STUDENT of Lipson Community College has made it to the semi-finals of a nationwide beauty pageant, and now needs support from the people of Plymouth to make it through a public vote.

Connie Veale, 14, was spotted by number of modelling agencies in London when she travelled to watch a live catwalk show from popular television modelling show Britain’s Next Top Model, but was too young to join up with any of them.

She was then also noticed at the same venue by the people behind the Teen Queen UK competition, who encouraged her to get involved.

Connie was one of more than 9,500 applicants of the competition, which aims to help girls aged 13-19 into the world of modelling.

Successfully progressing through three heats, Connie again travelled to London, but this time to partake in modelling rather than spectate, completing a professional photo shoot along with 80 other girls.

Connie, who is also a keen singer, actress and dancer and who is part of Lipson Community College’s street dance crew The Ruptors, found out that she has made it to the semi-finals of the competition - facing the public vote up against 49 other girls.

If successful, Connie faces the opportunity of attending the grand final in London, with a view to gaining some fantastic experience, as well as winning a number of prizes.

Voting for the competition is now open. To vote for Connie, call 09016 561 530 27 or text ‘Connie Veale’ to 84205. Voting closes at 11.30pm on December 30