A Carlisle teenager is aiming for the top as she prepares for the Miss Teen Great Britain contest.

Saoirse Brown, 15, has been crowned Miss Teen Carlisle and now goes forward to the GB final in Blackpool in October.

The Richard Rose Morton Academy pupil is busy preparing for the two-day contest but needs the backing of sponsors.

She said: "I entered Miss Teen Great Britain back in November and got an email to say I had made it into the semi-final.

"I then did a fundraiser of a fashion show and raised more than £500.

"I got a phone call to say I am one of the lucky contestants who is a finalist.

"I am the only girl from this area who is a finalist therefore I am now Miss Teen Carlisle 2017.

"I am wanting to get the public behind me and support me.

"I am just a normal teenager from a little city and all my dreams have come true."

Saoirse is busy raising money for the contest. The cash goes to a charity called Together For Short Lives - a UK charity for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

She said: "I want to raise as much money as I can. I’ve got some business sponsors but I need more."

The October final - at The Globe Theatre in Blackpool - consists of three rounds: fashionwear, interview and evening wear.

Saoirse, of Grinsdale Avenue, Belle Vue, said: "I'm now looking for an amazing dress for the evening wear round.

"I am really excited."

Saoirse does modelling work for an agency in Manchester and has recently been signed up to an agency in London.

She also works at a nail shop in Carlisle city centre.

She said: “I am now a model for an agency in London with links with Milan and Germany which I think is amazing.

"I have to apply for modelling jobs but it’s been a bit difficult recently as we’ve been without wifi.

"I’d like to be a model in the future. I’m a real girly girl. I love shopping.

"My favourite shops in Carlisle are River Island and House of Fraser."

Last year, Saoirse entered Junior Miss Cumbria and raised £750.

Abbie Wilson, 16, of Dalston won the contest.

If you can help sponsor Saoirse you can contact her via the email address s.d.brown@hotmail.com