A Bexley girl raising money for a charity for children’s palliative care has described being thrilled at making the final of Miss Junior Teen Great Britain.

Lily Strong, 14, is one of 30 finalists after being crowned Miss Teen Bexley.

She will travel to Blackpool in October for the final at the Globe Theatre and the grammar student is now raising money for Together For Short Lives.

The UK charity supports children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

Lily said: "I got the confirmation that I had got through to the final and I just cried with happiness.

"People can apply from all over the country, so it’s a big to get through to the final. It’s the first one I’ve done and I am using it as a platform to support charities and boost others’ confidence."

She added that it was an opportunity to "empower young girls and raise money for charity" along the way.

The final is across two days and organisers say the competition is to encourage confidence building in girls and teenagers.