Isle student is crowned Miss Teen Margate and now aims for the national title – but needs your help

Stephanie hopes to take the national title

A  student from The Royal Harbour Academy has been crowned Miss Teen Margate and now aims to take the Miss Teen British Isles title.

Stephanie Thompson, 16, who is currently preparing for her GCSEs this May, has dreamed of being a model since she was 13.

The youngster has already modelled for Margate-based charity Jambo Africa UK.

Stephanie has been sponsored in her bid by Margate boutique Bridal Dreams & Prom Queens run by Karen Grant, 50, and her husband Ray.

It is the couple’s first joint venture and has been open since June 2016. The shop is specifically aimed at people on a budget that still want to look beautiful on their special day.

Karen said: “Stephanie approached me to ask if I’d support her and I did. We are one of the only shops in this area that does these kind of items, including prom dresses, so we thought it would be good to help.”

Stephanie and Karen

After getting chosen at the first photographic stage of the competition, against over 1000 entrants, Stephanie was named Miss Teen Margate and is now in the running to become the next Miss Teen British Isles.

The teen took part in the regional finals of the competition on Sunday, March 5 in Watford, where she made it through to the national semi-final also to be held at the Mercure Hotel in Watford.

Stephanie said: “This is the first time I have entered a competition like this. It was nerve-wracking but enjoyable too.

“I’m really grateful for all the support I have had.”

If successful Stephanie will qualify for the national final in the summer where a cash prize of £2000, including a modelling and promotional contract, is up for grabs.

Miss Teen British Isles is a national modelling competition open to girls aged between 16 and 19. It is run with the modelling industry watch dog ALBA.

At the regional final Stephanie and other finalists took part in a catwalk show and had photoshoots throughout the day.

Previous winners have gone on to be signed by top modelling agencies, take part in TV shows and even appeared in a Bollywood film.

Stephanie had kind donations from local shops and people in Cliftonville for her first heat but she has since started a go fund me site  here

She is also selling cupcakes  to help her on her journey to become Miss Teen British Isles and hopefully win the national title for Margate!

For further details please contact Miss Teen British Isles on 0333 8000 590 or 07545 456689 or go to www.missbritishisles.com