A Twickenham schoolgirl has taken one step close to her dream of a media career after making it through to the final of a pageant competition.

Yaz Newbold, 11, has won a place at the national final of Little Miss Teen Great Britain having come through two preliminary rounds.

She will take her place among the finalists in the 10-12 age group category at the live final in Blackpool in October.

Yaz said: “To make it through to the final is a huge achievement, I am really very proud of myself.

"I really have my sight sets now on getting to Blackpool and doing my best to win.

"The charity fundraising has also been a great experience and really taught me the importance of helping out in your community and beyond."

The competition is not just based on the contestant’s looks, but also their personality and aims to empower the girls.

The interview process, where the young women are asked about their lives and also about potential charity work in their local communities, counts for half of the girls’ final score.

The charity of choice this year is “Together for Short Lives” which helps children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

Yaz has been fundraising for the charity including by securing a sponsorship deal with family holiday resort Hobourne Bashley in New Forest, Hampshire.

Yaz has come through a field of thousands of hopefuls to be in with a chance of winning £250 and a potential modelling contract, as well as a host of other prizes.

“I am really very grateful to Hobourne Bashley for agreeing to sponsor me," Yzz added.

"My family and I have been going there since I was two years old. It is really a great place.

“I have always dreamed of being in the media and entertainment industry and this feels like the first step towards achieving that dream. I am very excited.”

Her mum Marie Newbold, 46, was also ecstatic.

She said: “As a family we are very proud of Yaz pushing herself to achieve her dream, we hope she enjoys the journey this will take her on.”